tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23883971630215370962024-03-19T02:44:09.187-07:00Traditional Ancient Medicine and MassageAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-46711393392816188922016-06-30T08:18:00.001-07:002016-06-30T08:18:53.410-07:00Teacher training<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThaiHandMassageSchool/videos/1024398474282626/">https://www.facebook.com/ThaiHandMassageSchool/videos/1024398474282626/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-42727475450761743542016-06-25T13:27:00.001-07:002016-06-25T13:27:42.161-07:00the real benefit of massage<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThaiHandMassageSchool/videos/1030174017038405/">https://www.facebook.com/ThaiHandMassageSchool/videos/1030174017038405/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-61032136241882877182016-06-25T09:47:00.001-07:002016-06-25T09:47:11.450-07:00Teacher training<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThaiHandMassageSchool/videos/1024398474282626/">https://www.facebook.com/ThaiHandMassageSchool/videos/1024398474282626/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-54623073869713186902016-06-06T23:29:00.001-07:002016-06-06T23:29:54.969-07:00Professional Massage Teacher Training Thai Yoga (Nuad Bo Rarn)<a href="https://youtu.be/HHv04EYzLV8">https://youtu.be/HHv04EYzLV8</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-52318079785078983342016-03-03T13:27:00.001-08:002016-03-03T13:27:00.456-08:00The amazing health benefits of turmeric<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEDcZOB1RefuVu3hSQeFxXBCYaUOOzVSdr15J82a4gcKrgHJN5Ztc_KqAL2hO1-I6Bal7t_2wPdndmox3qzObh_3wXDIDTIo3OCYz4qlkyPgehLA1tiREw-c6G0T4dsmZK3CvdLFpKVk/s640/blogger-image--1381659815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEDcZOB1RefuVu3hSQeFxXBCYaUOOzVSdr15J82a4gcKrgHJN5Ztc_KqAL2hO1-I6Bal7t_2wPdndmox3qzObh_3wXDIDTIo3OCYz4qlkyPgehLA1tiREw-c6G0T4dsmZK3CvdLFpKVk/s640/blogger-image--1381659815.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElfGIHB8w56Gs8jt07nAtU1SMvZtgqAbOI-R4Rv_bpld5ZNQXibryJTeltHRJkP9GgKzEHT-TNKM2HlFFnPpI56wFfiZj06b5HW6Dzs5hi3XKmNn6FNWPZqq0MTq1E5PhutbFHWshBa0/s640/blogger-image--1292045831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElfGIHB8w56Gs8jt07nAtU1SMvZtgqAbOI-R4Rv_bpld5ZNQXibryJTeltHRJkP9GgKzEHT-TNKM2HlFFnPpI56wFfiZj06b5HW6Dzs5hi3XKmNn6FNWPZqq0MTq1E5PhutbFHWshBa0/s640/blogger-image--1292045831.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>From clearing infections to reducing inflammation, this spice has healing properties.</div><div><br></div><div>Turmeric, an orange-colored spice imported from India, is part the ginger family and has been a staple in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cooking for thousands of years.</div><div>In addition, ayurvedic and Chinese medicines utilize turmeric to clear infections and inflammations on the inside and outside of the body. But beyond the holistic health community, Western medical practitioners have only recently come on board in recognizing the health benefits of turmeric.</div><div><br></div><div>Here are some of the ways turmeric may benefit your body.
</div><div>Blocking cancer</div><div>Doctors at UCLA found that curcumin, the main component in turmeric, appeared to block an enzyme that promotes the growth of head and neck cancer.</div><div>In that study, 21 subjects with head and neck cancers chewed two tablets containing 1,000 milligrams of curcumin. An independent lab in Maryland evaluated the results and found that the cancer-promoting enzymes in the patients’ mouths were inhibited by the curcumin and thus prevented from advancing the spread of the malignant cells.</div><div>Powerful antioxidant</div><div>The University of Maryland’s Medical Center also states that turmeric’s powerful antioxidant properties fight cancer-causing free radicals, reducing or preventing some of the damage they can cause.</div><div>While more research is necessary, early studies have indicated that curcumin may help prevent or treat several types of cancer including prostate, skin and colon.</div><div>Potent anti-inflammatory</div><div>Dr. Randy J. Horwitz, the medical director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, wrote a paper for the American Academy of Pain Management in which he discussed the health benefits of turmeric.</div><div>“Turmeric is one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatories available,” Horwitz states in the paper.</div><div>He went on to cite a 2006 University of Arizona study that examined the effect of turmeric on rats with injected rheumatoid arthritis. According to Horwitz, pretreatment with turmeric completely inhibited the onset of rheumatoid arthritis in the rats. In addition, the study found that using turmeric for pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis resulted in a significant reduction of symptoms.</div><div>Some research shows that curcumin might ease symptoms of uveitis — long-term inflammation in the middle layer of the eye. Other research shows that taking turmeric daily for several months may improve kidney function for people with kidney inflammation.</div><div><br></div><div>Turmeric comes from the curcuma longa plant. (Photo: Skyprayer2005/Shutterstock)</div><div>
Osteoarthritis pain relief</div><div>Turmeric may also be helpful with another type of arthritis. Some research has shown that taking turmeric extract can ease the pain of osteoarthritis. In one study, reports WebMD, turmeric worked about as well as ibuprofen for relieving osteoarthritis pain.</div><div>Indigestion and heartburn aid</div><div>Curcumin works with the gallbladder, stimulating it to make bile, which may help with digestion. In Germany, turmeric can be prescribed for digestive problems. Some research shows that turmeric may help upset stomach, bloating and gas. Turmeric may also help reduce the occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in people who are otherwise healthy.</div><div>Heart disease</div><div>Studies have suggested curcumin may help prevent the buildup of plaque that can clog arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes.</div><div>Impact on diabetes</div><div>Early studies suggest that taking turmeric daily can cut down the number of people with prediabetes who develop diabetes.</div><div>“Raw is best”</div><div>Natalie Kling, a Los Angeles-based nutritionist, says she first learned about the benefits of turmeric while getting her degree from the Natural Healing Institute of Neuropathy. “As an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic, it’s a very powerful plant,” she says.</div><div>Kling recommends it to clients for joint pain and says that when taken as a supplement, it helps quickly. She advises adding turmeric to food whenever possible and offers these easy tips. “Raw is best,” she said. “Sprinkling it on vegetables or mixing it into dressings is quick and effective.”</div><div>If you do cook it, make sure to use a small amount of healthy fat like healthy coconut oil to maximize flavor. Kling also recommends rubbing turmeric on meat and putting it into curries and soups.</div><div>“It’s inexpensive, mild in taste, and benefits every system in the body,” Kling says. "Adding this powerful plant to your diet is one of the best things you can do for long term health.”</div><div><br></div><div>This story first appeared on MNN in January 2012. It has been updated to reflect more current information.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-39926916136044375142016-02-28T12:06:00.001-08:002016-02-28T12:06:33.199-08:00TEXTUAL SOURCES OF REUSI DAT TON<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KpDGFudylMfNt9U5EC-zIJy-GTPr1g-CWv0r6UldYJ0SVUmfSwXbD7zZa7d6Xyv6Fc-S3shcEyiPH4uZNkjuRXvatDcHWKkfnL9tB2RfzdrYiVRz_Zpo5RkLTDcPJ6cqwVLWQh-L7s4/s640/blogger-image-1890962837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KpDGFudylMfNt9U5EC-zIJy-GTPr1g-CWv0r6UldYJ0SVUmfSwXbD7zZa7d6Xyv6Fc-S3shcEyiPH4uZNkjuRXvatDcHWKkfnL9tB2RfzdrYiVRz_Zpo5RkLTDcPJ6cqwVLWQh-L7s4/s640/blogger-image-1890962837.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We may never know what, if any Ancient texts on Reusi Dat Ton may have existed and were lost when the invading Burmese armies destroyed the old Thai capital of Ayutthaya in 1767. Today, the closest thing to an original source text on Reusi Dat Ton is an 1838 manuscript commissioned by Rama III entitled The Book of Eighty Rishis Performing Posture Exercises to Cure Various Ailments. Like other manuscripts of the time, this text was printed on accordion like folded black paper, known in Thai as “Khoi.” This text, popularly known as the Samut Thai Kao features line drawings of the 80 Wat Po Reusi Dat Ton statues along with their accompanying poems. In the introduction, it states that Reusi Dat Ton is a “…system of posture exercises invented by experts to cure ailments and make them vanish away.” (Griswold, 321) This text is housed in the National Library in Bangkok. There are also other editions of this text housed in museums and private collections as well.</div><div><br></div><div>The Samut Thai Kao seems to follow an old tradition also found in ancient Indian, Nepali and Tibetan Yoga manuscripts that list 80 to 84 different techniques. The Samut Thai Kao is, however, only a partial collection of all the various Reusi Dat Ton techniques. A 1958 Wat Po publication, The Book of Medicine includes a section on Reusi Dat Ton. While it contains verses based upon the poems at Wat Po, many of the accompanying illustrations depict completely different techniques.</div><div><br></div><div>In the Southern Thai town of Songkhla, on the temple grounds of Wat Machimawat is a pavilion known as the “Sala Reusi Dat Ton.” High up on the inside walls of this pavilion is a mural which depicts 40 of the Reusi Dat Ton techniques along with the accompanying poems from the Samut Thai Kao. </div><div>There is a special section devoted to Thai Medical history at the Mahidol University’s Siriraj Medical Museum on the Bangkok Noi campus in Bangkok. There one can view a Reusi Dat Ton display featuring small painted wood Reusi figures that depict over 60 different Reusi Dat Ton techniques. This display is based upon the 1958 Wat Po text The Book of Medicine. </div><div><br></div><div>In Nonthaburi, on the Ministry of Public Health Campus at the Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, there is the Thai Traditional Medicine Museum. Inside the museum is a small display of Reusi Dat Ton statues. Outside the museum is an artificial mountain upon which have been placed various Reusi statues demonstrating Reusi Dat Ton techniques. Within the mountain is the “Hermit’s Cave” which houses numerous small Reusi statues also depicting Reusi Dat Ton techniques. These statues depict techniques from both the Samut Thai Kao and The Book of Medicine. </div><div>On the outskirts of Bangkok, in the town of Samut Prakan, is the cultural park, the Ancient City or “Muang Boran.” One of the many attractions is a “Sala of 80 Yogi” which features 80 life- sized Reusi statues illustrating various Reusi Dat Ton techniques. There are even depictions of</div><div>Reusi Dat Ton techniques not found in either of the two Wat Po texts. While most of these statues are fairly accurate depictions of Reusi Dat Ton techniques, a few actually show Indian Hatha Yoga techniques, which are not part of the Reusi Dat Ton system.</div><div><br></div><div>Students of Reusi Dat Ton should bear in mind that while some of the Reusi Dat Don statues, drawings, paintings and poems are beautiful works of art, they were created by artists who were not necessarily all practitioners of Reusi Dat Ton. In fact, a number of images do not illustrate the actual techniques entirely accurately. Even in 1836, there was some uncertainty as to which technique produced which effect and some poems were used for more than one technique. Therefore, students of Reusi Dat Ton should also seek out living teachers who have learned from authentic sources such as actual Reusis, who can teach the techniques in their authentic form.</div><div><br></div><div>There are also additional Reusi Dat Ton techniques practiced by Reusis today, which are not found in any text, nor depicted in any sculpture or paintings. These are also traditional techniques, which have been passed down from teacher to student over the centuries. There are close to 300 different exercises and poses, including variations, in the entire Reusi Dat Ton system.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-14356467424317048052016-02-28T04:35:00.001-08:002016-02-28T04:35:10.630-08:00THE BENEFITS OF REUSI DAT TON<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_nR1PRUSBI68Xma8ytCns5tVA7R8ZUy02lwkASRrbPx-jnbit_z7C9V7iST4YkbsvixNoE-cIU3sa3cjVtvKn2kobuPQcJffUU1iYll8kK5G7USF8-NFeuVV-NhXHHKLrVY7rySWskA/s640/blogger-image-604233155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_nR1PRUSBI68Xma8ytCns5tVA7R8ZUy02lwkASRrbPx-jnbit_z7C9V7iST4YkbsvixNoE-cIU3sa3cjVtvKn2kobuPQcJffUU1iYll8kK5G7USF8-NFeuVV-NhXHHKLrVY7rySWskA/s640/blogger-image-604233155.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk9ZoIl7ZSRbQ635MSzAnp8D03mo-uZnnzDjg2XGKYmue8g_G90KI-JC6GGNXFtlGzw2LubUeVDi9aaY1Mlzw0LxA3anuxyr-NOJmKcu0252qTe_aC1lAL_eCvr-xcDkwqXALOUfrjNg/s640/blogger-image-337092604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk9ZoIl7ZSRbQ635MSzAnp8D03mo-uZnnzDjg2XGKYmue8g_G90KI-JC6GGNXFtlGzw2LubUeVDi9aaY1Mlzw0LxA3anuxyr-NOJmKcu0252qTe_aC1lAL_eCvr-xcDkwqXALOUfrjNg/s640/blogger-image-337092604.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj2DGsunN07HJkdoS3rEiTMyWmG5GTDR3PkxPqWr367e0NAQUVMKL78qrGEqUHsf3P1MMybpz6aXZv5aPWu1T0WCgD3ZnD0FbxuJc401lVyLD-ztveZLv0pVMssgIheTQ3-JMR0mRcE8/s640/blogger-image--694795830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj2DGsunN07HJkdoS3rEiTMyWmG5GTDR3PkxPqWr367e0NAQUVMKL78qrGEqUHsf3P1MMybpz6aXZv5aPWu1T0WCgD3ZnD0FbxuJc401lVyLD-ztveZLv0pVMssgIheTQ3-JMR0mRcE8/s640/blogger-image--694795830.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>In both the Samut Thai Kao and The Book of Medicine, the texts not only describe the techniques, but also ascribe a therapeutic benefit to each pose or exercise. Some poems describe specific ailments while others use Sanskrit Ayurvedic medical terminology.</div><div>Some of the ailments mentioned include; abdominal discomfort and pain, arm discomfort, back pain, bleeding, blurred vision, chest congestion, chest discomfort and pain, chin trouble, chronic disease, chronic muscular discomfort, congestion, convulsions, dizziness and vertigo, dyspepsia, facial paralysis, fainting, foot cramps, pain and numbness, gas pain, generalized weakness, generalized sharp pain, headache and migraine, hand discomfort, cramps and numbness, heel and ankle joint pain, hemorrhoids, hip joint problems, joint pain, knee pain and weakness, lack of alertness, leg discomfort, pain and weakness, lockjaw, low back pain, lumbar pain, muscular</div><div>cramps and stiffness, nasal bleeding, nausea, neck pain, numbness, pelvic pain, penis and urethra problems, scrotal distention, secretion in throat, shoulder and scapula discomfort and pain, stiff neck, thigh discomfort, throat problems, tongue trouble, uvula spasm, vertigo, waist trouble, wrist trouble, vomiting, and waist discomfort.</div><div>Some of the Ayurvedic disorders described in the texts include; Wata (Vata in Sanskrit) in the head causing problems in meditation, severe Wata disease, Wata in the hands and feet, Wata in the head, nose and shoulder, Wata in the thigh, Wata in the scrotum, Wata in the urethra, Wata causing knee, leg and chest spasms, Wata causing blurred vision, Sannipat (a very serious and difficult to treat condition due to the simultaneous imbalance of Water, Fire and Wind Elements which may also involve a toxic fever) an excess of Water Dhatu (possibly plasma or lymph fluids,) and “Wind” in the stomach. Other benefits described in the old texts include; increased longevity and opening all of the “Sen” (There are various types of “Sen” or channels in Traditional Thai Medicine. There are Gross Earth Physical “Sen” such as Blood Vessels. There are also more Subtle “Sen” such as channels of Bioenergy flow within the Subtle Body, known as “Nadis” in Sanskrit. In addition, there are also “Sen” as channels of the Mind.)</div><div>In recent years, the Thai Ministry of Public Health has published several books on Reusi Dat Ton. According these modern texts, some of the benefits of Reusi Dat Ton practice include; improved agility and muscle coordination, increased joint mobility, greater range of motion, better circulation, improved respiration improved digestion, assimilation and elimination, detoxification, stronger immunity, reduced stress and anxiety, greater relaxation, improved concentration and meditation, oxygen therapy to the cells, pain relief, slowing of degenerative disease and greater longevity. (Subcharoen, 5-7)</div><div>A recent study at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, Thailand, found that after one month of regular Reusi Dat Ton practice there was an improvement in anaerobic exercise performance in sedentary females. (Weerapong et al, 205)</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-14810785699328136162016-02-27T15:19:00.001-08:002016-02-27T15:19:15.294-08:00Here's How Much Yoga It Takes to Truly See Results<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmwt8N00NSBo6gQgpEP4YyZJNSWCFMKA9sKZ642cVZuDuItyspXAL6IBNkhlZJZhvGkiqCI-FBxVGH0Tv-Zy3KqLtt7Y3RGdp3ecdnBU6GV1tBhQGnhTGCFFYMDQB9lzSwzyGhJsGUtE/s640/blogger-image--1349179001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmwt8N00NSBo6gQgpEP4YyZJNSWCFMKA9sKZ642cVZuDuItyspXAL6IBNkhlZJZhvGkiqCI-FBxVGH0Tv-Zy3KqLtt7Y3RGdp3ecdnBU6GV1tBhQGnhTGCFFYMDQB9lzSwzyGhJsGUtE/s640/blogger-image--1349179001.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The good news: You don't have to be the most flexible person in the room to reap the benefits of practicing. Still, you may wonder what good the occasional yoga class is doing for your body and mind. Well, let out an “om:” You don’t need to hit the yoga studio every day (or even at all) for significant benefits, both physically and mentally.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Reasons to Roll Out the Mat </div><div><br></div><div>Whether you're aiming for the flexibility of a gymnast or just a calmer mind, yoga has immeasurable benefits. Physically, yoga has been shown to improve flexibility, posture, and balance; strengthen bones; and increase muscle strength.</div><div>There are plenty of overall health perks too: Research shows that yoga can decrease inflammation, boost immune system function, and improve symptoms associated with chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.The practice can also do wonders for your mental health and mood, reducing depression, stress, and anxiety. But can an average person actually reap these benefits, or do you have to spend half your salary on unlimited access to a yoga studio to see a change?</div><div><br></div><div>First things first: “We know from exercise that the more you do, generally the more benefits you get,” says William J. Broad, a science writer and author of The Science of Yoga.</div><div> “Yoga is no different. Practicing once a week is good. Practicing three to four times per week would be better.”</div><div><br></div><div>But just like yoga pants, one size doesn't fit all. Loren Fishman, M.D., a back pain specialist who studied yoga and uses it in his rehabilitative practice, believes that even one minute spent in practice can be enough to reset someone's outlook: “One minute in meditation can have a frustrated, angry, terrible-feeling person feeling resourceful, kind, and fun,” he says.</div><div>While this way of thinking probably won't lead to Cirque du Soleil-level moves, that doesn’t mean you won’t see—or feel—results.</div><div>“Practicing yoga once a week gives you a time every week to focus on your breathing, which in turn, allows you to be present,” says Heidi Kristoffer, a yoga instructor at The Movement. “Being in the present moment gives you a total time-out from the rest of the world and resets your system.”</div><div>Physically, a one hour yoga class won’t tout the same calorie-blasting effects as 60 minutes of cardio. But it will increase your blood flow, get your oxygen moving, and, “get any stuck parts of your body ‘unstuck,’” Kristoffer says.</div><div>“If you commit to a weekly practice, depending on the class you take, your flexibility will improve over time, leading to fewer injuries, and you will experience toning in all of your muscles,” Kristoffer says. “Not to mention a stronger core, which leads to less back pain.”</div><div><br></div><div>It’s clear yoga has mental and physical benefits that can be enjoyed by anyone with just a few minutes. But since there are so many different kinds of yoga, there’s no general rule to determine exactly how much yoga one person needs to see physical results. However, age may play a factor, Broad says.</div><div>“I would argue that a 20-something person who is in their prime of life and reasonably good shape needs less yoga to sustain their practice than someone in their 50s or 60s,” Broad says. One study analyzing the effects of yoga on women over 50 found that practicing asanas (yoga postures) even once a week led to an increase in the mobility of spinal joints and flexibility of the hamstring muscles.</div><div><br></div><div>Of course, if you want to evolve your practice and nail those mountain-top handstands, you should practice yoga several times per week, says Amanda Murdock, a yoga instructor at YG Studios who specializes in power yoga flow. “If you practice several times a week, you will see longer-lasting benefits, like better range of motion and flexibility, reduction in stress over sustained periods of time, and better posture, to name a few. You’ll also obviously see faster [physical] results.”</div><div>While you’ll benefit in the short term (feeling more open, better digestion, better sleep), a single yoga class per month will essentially have you starting from scratch each time you walk on the mat, Murdock says. It can be difficult to listen to your body when you are trying to figure out what you are doing in the class.</div><div>That’s why she recommends getting on your mat at least one day a week to become familiar with your body and to become aware of how you feel after practice versus before practice—which can become a powerful motivator to practice more often. It doesn’t have to happen in a studio (or even on a real mat), but the frequency can help you be in tune with what your body needs at the time.</div><div>“Yoga is a lifelong practice,” Murdock says. “That's why yoga is much more than just a workout. It's the mind-body connection and awareness that make a yoga practice powerful, beneficial, and sustainable.”</div><div><br></div><div>The verdict's in: Just one class can deliver some of the mind-body benefits of yoga. Still, to truly reap the physical and mental benefits and improve your practice, it's better to block off an hour for class at least once per week. Even if you can't, once you know the fundamentals of the practice, do a little bit every day at home, Broad recommends. “My own personal mantra is, ‘A little bit often is much better than a lot every once in a while,” he says.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-45675350940278894682016-02-23T15:13:00.001-08:002016-02-23T15:13:01.731-08:00Yoga: Fight stress and find serenity<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1GgnVsqZgyzbwNd7R8SGL-lGnYvZQpEpJj1kvDV0xFFpGxhMcK7YZ9NsYlEVEOpODi77rU3QDL59ivyRSJjEHGQ4jf9b9Z8uMo2h_mMai3Hf8OrmwcWdLTGKuCV727iuILgFR-apCXE/s640/blogger-image-1311979990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1GgnVsqZgyzbwNd7R8SGL-lGnYvZQpEpJj1kvDV0xFFpGxhMcK7YZ9NsYlEVEOpODi77rU3QDL59ivyRSJjEHGQ4jf9b9Z8uMo2h_mMai3Hf8OrmwcWdLTGKuCV727iuILgFR-apCXE/s640/blogger-image-1311979990.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Is yoga right for you? It is if you want to fight stress, get fit and stay healthy.</div><div>By Mayo Clinic Staff</div><div><br></div><div>Your mobile phone is ringing, your boss wants to talk to you and your partner wants to know what's for dinner. Stress and anxiety are everywhere. If they're getting the best of you, you might want to hit the mat and give yoga a try.</div><div>Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation. Yoga may help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and lower your heart rate. And almost anyone can do it.</div><div><br></div><div>Yoga — a mind-body practice — is considered one of many types of complementary and integrative health approaches. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines that may help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind. This can help you relax and manage stress and anxiety.</div><div>Yoga has many styles, forms and intensities. Hatha yoga, in particular, may be a good choice for stress management. Hatha is one of the most common styles of yoga, and beginners may like its slower pace and easier movements. But most people can benefit from any style of yoga — it's all about your personal preferences.</div><div>The core components of hatha yoga and most general yoga classes are:</div><div>* Poses. Yoga poses, also called postures, are a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility. Poses range from lying on the floor while completely relaxed to difficult postures that may have you stretching your physical limits.</div><div>* Breathing. Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga. Yoga teaches that controlling your breathing can help you control your body and quiet your mind.</div><div>* Meditation or relaxation. In yoga, you may incorporate meditation or relaxation. Meditation may help you learn to be more mindful and aware of the present moment without judgment.</div><div><br></div><div>The health benefits of yoga</div><div><br></div><div>The potential health benefits of yoga include:</div><div>* Stress reduction. A number of studies have shown that yoga may help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being. </div><div>* Improved fitness. Practicing yoga may lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength.</div><div>* Management of chronic conditions. Yoga can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Yoga might also help alleviate chronic conditions, such as depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia.</div><div>Yoga precautions</div><div><br></div><div>Yoga is generally considered safe for most healthy people when practiced under the guidance of a trained instructor. But there are some situations in which yoga might pose a risk.</div><div>See your health care provider before you begin yoga if you have any of the following conditions or situations:</div><div>* A herniated disk</div><div>* A risk of blood clots </div><div>* Eye conditions, including glaucoma</div><div>* Pregnancy — although yoga is generally safe for pregnant women, certain poses should be avoided</div><div>* Severe balance problems</div><div>* Severe osteoporosis</div><div>* Uncontrolled blood pressure</div><div>You may be able to practice yoga in these situations if you take certain precautions, such as avoiding certain poses or stretches. If you develop symptoms, such as pain, or have concerns, see your doctor to make sure you're getting benefit and not harm from yoga.</div><div><br></div><div>Getting started</div><div><br></div><div>Although you can learn yoga from books and videos, beginners usually find it helpful to learn with an instructor. Classes also offer camaraderie and friendship, which are also important to overall well-being.</div><div>When you find a class that sounds interesting, talk with the instructor so that you know what to expect. Questions to ask include:</div><div>* What are the instructor's qualifications? Where did he or she train and how long has he or she been teaching?</div><div>* Does the instructor have experience working with students with your needs or health concerns? If you have a sore knee or an aching shoulder, can the instructor help you find poses that won't aggravate your condition?</div><div>* How demanding is the class? Is it suitable for beginners? Will it be easy enough to follow along if it's your first time?</div><div>* What can you expect from the class? Is it aimed at your needs, such as stress management or relaxation, or is it geared toward people who want to reap other benefits?</div><div><br></div><div>Achieving the right balance</div><div><br></div><div>Every person has a different body with different abilities. You may need to modify yoga postures based on your individual abilities. Your instructor may be able to suggest modified poses. Choosing an instructor who is experienced and who understands your needs is important to safely and effectively practice yoga.</div><div>Regardless of which type of yoga you practice, you don't have to do every pose. If a pose is uncomfortable or you can't hold it as long as the instructor requests, don't do it. Good instructors will understand and encourage you to explore — but not exceed — your personal limits.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-3199579860205353312016-02-19T14:26:00.001-08:002016-02-19T14:26:12.979-08:00How to grow garlic<a href="http://youtu.be/rlsnAwoltBM">http://youtu.be/rlsnAwoltBM</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-46373322214138799102016-02-14T15:00:00.001-08:002016-02-14T15:00:13.066-08:00The Brain, The Big Boss<h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxtgst9jG4LZa48KPCXZTeG30wpmsO_nRDVFKYj_AZKzsVJmYl40m_KWLthFF8uCRXjzvy_2wMH8YqOfGljfoLeGt_lz5ad5NIjE9Kcf3mJuPNv8DqucxcHSxy_OEVJihA6_pJfSZVFA/s640/blogger-image--1918748692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxtgst9jG4LZa48KPCXZTeG30wpmsO_nRDVFKYj_AZKzsVJmYl40m_KWLthFF8uCRXjzvy_2wMH8YqOfGljfoLeGt_lz5ad5NIjE9Kcf3mJuPNv8DqucxcHSxy_OEVJihA6_pJfSZVFA/s640/blogger-image--1918748692.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDzLk6uFKuvf9B6EZHXhKr2Qmry1NGD177q3EJopC-q5nzLJijewBokRovpdrtT_BbD7KfnvgbL2inb8P6ucj3UJ0G3veQjT-xtFtVscEjmYV5Xs2cq-431a6YmvPBncOtbqbKy8I35s/s640/blogger-image--602812788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDzLk6uFKuvf9B6EZHXhKr2Qmry1NGD177q3EJopC-q5nzLJijewBokRovpdrtT_BbD7KfnvgbL2inb8P6ucj3UJ0G3veQjT-xtFtVscEjmYV5Xs2cq-431a6YmvPBncOtbqbKy8I35s/s640/blogger-image--602812788.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpdjBsHq8xehVP-QRvyOhZHGzgWW9PeHrfhUoNwzANegMCLJBcxvMZsSW5s9HMVqzEFokToo-7nvtdVeY4ZN7dQ1ViyDYjGA6bFChv8hBJlpTzofpm1atjMa5m6irLfvMh1InmFdIKUo/s640/blogger-image--1973527437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpdjBsHq8xehVP-QRvyOhZHGzgWW9PeHrfhUoNwzANegMCLJBcxvMZsSW5s9HMVqzEFokToo-7nvtdVeY4ZN7dQ1ViyDYjGA6bFChv8hBJlpTzofpm1atjMa5m6irLfvMh1InmFdIKUo/s640/blogger-image--1973527437.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyOnla3kAYzT9ZPa5fMw9weyNXekQbowTQrgQ9M4OtD-iYSd7udBGA2Ibo4_ktpPQthDuksLIvEAUp7q_WE_KfZ2FWqUhhBHYVQ6yUZNbfT9z7aUnUAHBZXDPJzuivx2zMwGRUjZKHFs/s640/blogger-image-582414580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyOnla3kAYzT9ZPa5fMw9weyNXekQbowTQrgQ9M4OtD-iYSd7udBGA2Ibo4_ktpPQthDuksLIvEAUp7q_WE_KfZ2FWqUhhBHYVQ6yUZNbfT9z7aUnUAHBZXDPJzuivx2zMwGRUjZKHFs/s640/blogger-image-582414580.jpg"></a></div><br></i></h4><h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></i></h4><h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Introduction</i></h4><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The brain is the most complex part of the human body. This three-pound organ is the seat of intelligence, interpreter of the senses, initiator of body movement, and controller of behavior. Lying in its bony shell and washed by protective fluid, the brain is the source of all the qualities that define our humanity. The brain is the crown jewel of the human body.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For centuries, scientists and philosophers have been fascinated by the brain, but until recently they viewed the brain as nearly incomprehensible. Now, however, the brain is beginning to relinquish its secrets. Scientists have learned more about the brain in the last 10 years than in all previous centuries because of the accelerating pace of research in neurological and behavioral science and the development of new research techniques. As a result, Congress named the 1990s the Decade of the Brain. At the forefront of research on the brain and other elements of the nervous system is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), which conducts and supports scientific studies in the United States and around the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This fact sheet is a basic introduction to the human brain. It may help you understand how the healthy brain works, how to keep it healthy, and what happens when the brain is diseased or dysfunctional.</span></p><p align="center" style="text-align: start; margin: 1em 0px;"><a id="Image 1" name="Image 1" target="_blank"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Image 1</em></a></p><p align="center" style="margin: 1em 0px;"></p><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img alt="" border="0" height="344" src="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/img/kyb.gif" width="378"> </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><p></p><p align="left" style="margin: 1em 0px;"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#top" style="font-weight: bold;">top</a>></em></p><hr style="height: 1px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><a id="art" name="art" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </a></p><h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Architecture of the Brain</i></h4><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The brain is like a committee of experts. All the parts of the brain work together, but each part has its own special properties. The brain can be divided into three basic units: the <a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#fore" style="font-weight: bold;">forebrain</a>, the <a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#mid" style="font-weight: bold;">midbrain</a>, and the <a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#hind" style="font-weight: bold;">hindbrain</a>.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The hindbrain includes the upper part of the spinal cord, the brain stem, and a wrinkled ball of tissue called the <b>cerebellum</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 1" style="font-weight: bold;">1</a>). The hindbrain controls the body’s vital functions such as respiration and heart rate. The cerebellum coordinates movement and is involved in learned rote movements. When you play the piano or hit a tennis ball you are activating the cerebellum. The uppermost part of the brainstem is the midbrain, which controls some reflex actions and is part of the circuit involved in the control of eye movements and other voluntary movements. The forebrain is the largest and most highly developed part of the human brain: it consists primarily of the <b>cerebrum</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 1" style="font-weight: bold;">2</a>) and the structures hidden beneath it (<em>see "<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#inner" style="font-weight: bold;">The Inner Brain</a>"</em>).</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When people see pictures of the brain it is usually the cerebrum that they notice. The cerebrum sits at the topmost part of the brain and is the source of intellectual activities. It holds your memories, allows you to plan, enables you to imagine and think. It allows you to recognize friends, read books, and play games.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The cerebrum is split into two halves (hemispheres) by a deep fissure. Despite the split, the two cerebral hemispheres communicate with each other through a thick tract of nerve fibers that lies at the base of this fissure. Although the two hemispheres seem to be mirror images of each other, they are different. For instance, the ability to form words seems to lie primarily in the left hemisphere, while the right hemisphere seems to control many abstract reasoning skills.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For some as-yet-unknown reason, nearly all of the signals from the brain to the body and vice-versa cross over on their way to and from the brain. This means that the right cerebral hemisphere primarily controls the left side of the body and the left hemisphere primarily controls the right side. When one side of the brain is damaged, the opposite side of the body is affected. For example, a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain can leave the left arm and leg paralyzed.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a id="fore" name="fore" target="_blank"><strong>The Forebrain</strong> -------</a> <a id="mid" name="mid" target="_blank"><strong>The Midbrain</strong> --------</a> <a id="hind" name="hind" target="_blank"><strong>The Hindbrain</strong></a></span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img alt="" border="0" height="148" src="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/img/kyb2.gif" width="139"> <img alt="" border="0" height="147" src="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/img/kyb3-a.gif" width="143"> <img alt="" border="0" height="148" src="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/img/kyb4-a.gif" width="134"></span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#top" style="font-weight: bold;">top</a>></em></p><hr style="height: 1px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><a id="geo" name="geo" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </a></p><h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Geography of Thought</i></h4><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Each cerebral hemisphere can be divided into sections, or lobes, each of which specializes in different functions. To understand each lobe and its specialty we will take a tour of the cerebral hemispheres, starting with the two <b>frontal lobes</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 1" style="font-weight: bold;">3</a>), which lie directly behind the forehead. When you plan a schedule, imagine the future, or use reasoned arguments, these two lobes do much of the work. One of the ways the frontal lobes seem to do these things is by acting as short-term storage sites, allowing one idea to be kept in mind while other ideas are considered. In the rearmost portion of each frontal lobe is a <b>motor area</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 1" style="font-weight: bold;">4</a>), which helps control voluntary movement. A nearby place on the left frontal lobe called <b>Broca’s area</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 1" style="font-weight: bold;">5</a>) allows thoughts to be transformed into words.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When you enjoy a good meal—the taste, aroma, and texture of the food—two sections behind the frontal lobes called the <b>parietal lobes</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 1" style="font-weight: bold;">6</a>) are at work. The forward parts of these lobes, just behind the motor areas, are the primary <b>sensory areas</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 1" style="font-weight: bold;">7</a>). These areas receive information about temperature, taste, touch, and movement from the rest of the body. Reading and arithmetic are also functions in the repertoire of each parietal lobe.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As you look at the words and pictures on this page, two areas at the back of the brain are at work. These lobes, called the <b>occipital lobes</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 1" style="font-weight: bold;">8</a>), process images from the eyes and link that information with images stored in memory. Damage to the occipital lobes can cause blindness.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The last lobes on our tour of the cerebral hemispheres are the <b>temporal lobes</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 1" style="font-weight: bold;">9</a>), which lie in front of the visual areas and nest under the parietal and frontal lobes. Whether you appreciate symphonies or rock music, your brain responds through the activity of these lobes. At the top of each temporal lobe is an area responsible for receiving information from the ears. The underside of each temporal lobe plays a crucial role in forming and retrieving memories, including those associated with music. Other parts of this lobe seem to integrate memories and sensations of taste, sound, sight, and touch.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#top" style="font-weight: bold;">top</a>></em></p><hr style="height: 1px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><a id="cortex" name="cortex" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </a></p><h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Cerebral Cortex</i></h4><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Coating the surface of the cerebrum and the cerebellum is a vital layer of tissue the thickness of a stack of two or three dimes. It is called the cortex, from the Latin word for bark. Most of the actual information processing in the brain takes place in the cerebral cortex. When people talk about "gray matter" in the brain they are talking about this thin rind. The cortex is gray because nerves in this area lack the insulation that makes most other parts of the brain appear to be white. The folds in the brain add to its surface area and therefore increase the amount of gray matter and the quantity of information that can be processed.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#top" style="font-weight: bold;">top</a>></em></p><hr style="height: 1px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><a id="inner" name="inner" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </a></p><h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Inner Brain</i></h4><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Deep within the brain, hidden from view, lie structures that are the gatekeepers between the spinal cord and the cerebral hemispheres. These structures not only determine our emotional state, they also modify our perceptions and responses depending on that state, and allow us to initiate movements that you make without thinking about them. Like the lobes in the cerebral hemispheres, the structures described below come in pairs: each is duplicated in the opposite half of the brain.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The <b>hypothalamus</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 5" style="font-weight: bold;">10</a>), about the size of a pearl, directs a multitude of important functions. It wakes you up in the morning, and gets the adrenaline flowing during a test or job interview. The hypothalamus is also an important emotional center, controlling the molecules that make you feel exhilarated, angry, or unhappy. Near the hypothalamus lies the <b>thalamus</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 5" style="font-weight: bold;">11</a>), a major clearinghouse for information going to and from the spinal cord and the cerebrum.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">An arching tract of nerve cells leads from the hypothalamus and the thalamus to the <b>hippocampus</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 5" style="font-weight: bold;">12</a>). This tiny nub acts as a memory indexer—sending memories out to the appropriate part of the cerebral hemisphere for long-term storage and retrieving them when necessary. The <b>basal ganglia</b> (not shown) are clusters of nerve cells surrounding the thalamus. They are responsible for initiating and integrating movements. Parkinson’s disease, which results in tremors, rigidity, and a stiff, shuffling walk, is a disease of nerve cells that lead into the basal ganglia.</span></p><p align="center" style="text-align: start; margin: 1em 0px;"><a id="Image 5" name="Image 5" target="_blank"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Image 5</em></a></p><p align="center" style="text-align: start; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img alt="" border="0" height="380" src="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/img/kyb5.gif" width="296"></span></p><p align="left" style="margin: 1em 0px;"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#top" style="font-weight: bold;">top</a>></em></p><hr style="height: 1px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><a id="making" name="making" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </a></p><h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Making Connections</i></h4><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The brain and the rest of the nervous system are composed of many different types of cells, but the primary functional unit is a cell called the neuron. All sensations, movements, thoughts, memories, and feelings are the result of signals that pass through neurons. Neurons consist of three parts. The <b>cell body</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 6" style="font-weight: bold;">13</a>) contains the nucleus, where most of the molecules that the neuron needs to survive and function are manufactured. <b>Dendrites</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 6" style="font-weight: bold;">14</a>) extend out from the cell body like the branches of a tree and receive messages from other nerve cells. Signals then pass from the dendrites through the cell body and may travel away from the cell body down an <b>axon</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 6" style="font-weight: bold;">15</a>) to another neuron, a muscle cell, or cells in some other organ. The neuron is usually surrounded by many support cells. Some types of cells wrap around the axon to form an insulating <b>sheath</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 6" style="font-weight: bold;">16</a>). This sheath can include a fatty molecule called myelin, which provides insulation for the axon and helps nerve signals travel faster and farther. Axons may be very short, such as those that carry signals from one cell in the cortex to another cell less than a hair’s width away. Or axons may be very long, such as those that carry messages from the brain all the way down the spinal cord.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 1em 0px;"></p><div style="text-align: start;"><a id="Image 6" name="Image 6" target="_blank"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Image 6</em></a></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><p></p><p align="center" style="text-align: start; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img alt="" src="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/img/thumbnail_kyb6.gif" title=""></span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Scientists have learned a great deal about neurons by studying the synapse—the place where a signal passes from the neuron to another cell. When the signal reaches the end of the axon it stimulates the release of tiny <b>sacs</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 7" style="font-weight: bold;">17</a>). These sacs release chemicals known as <b>neurotransmitters</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 7" style="font-weight: bold;">18</a>) into the <b>synapse</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 7" style="font-weight: bold;">19</a>). The neurotransmitters cross the synapse and attach to <b>receptors</b> (<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#Image 7" style="font-weight: bold;">20</a>) on the neighboring cell. These receptors can change the properties of the receiving cell. If the receiving cell is also a neuron, the signal can continue the transmission to the next cell.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 1em 0px;"></p><div style="text-align: start;"><a id="Image 7" name="Image 7" target="_blank"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Image 7</em></a></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><p></p><p align="center" style="text-align: start; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" src="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/img/kyb7.gif" width="375"></span></p><p align="left" style="margin: 1em 0px;"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#top" style="font-weight: bold;">top</a>></em></p><hr style="height: 1px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><a id="key" name="key" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </a></p><h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Some Key Neurotransmitters at Work</i></h4><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Acetylcholine is called an <b><i>excitatory neurotransmitter</i></b> because it generally makes cells more excitable. It governs muscle contractions and causes glands to secrete hormones. Alzheimer’s disease, which initially affects memory formation, is associated with a shortage of acetylcholine.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is called an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it tends to make cells less excitable. It helps control muscle activity and is an important part of the visual system. Drugs that increase GABA levels in the brain are used to treat epileptic seizures and tremors in patients with Huntington’s disease.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that constricts blood vessels and brings on sleep. It is also involved in temperature regulation. Dopamine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in mood and the control of complex movements. The loss of dopamine activity in some portions of the brain leads to the muscular rigidity of Parkinson’s disease. Many medications used to treat behavioral disorders work by modifying the action of dopamine in the brain.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#top" style="font-weight: bold;">top</a>></em></p><hr style="height: 1px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><a id="disorders" name="disorders" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </a></p><h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Neurological Disorders</i></h4><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When the brain is healthy it functions quickly and automatically. But when problems occur, the results can be devastating. Some 50 million people in this country—one in five—suffer from damage to the nervous system. The NINDS supports research on more than 600 neurological diseases. Some of the major types of disorders include: neurogenetic diseases (such as Huntington’s disease and muscular dystrophy), developmental disorders (such as cerebral palsy), degenerative diseases of adult life (such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease), metabolic diseases (such as Gaucher’s disease), cerebrovascular diseases (such as stroke and vascular dementia), trauma (such as spinal cord and head injury), convulsive disorders (such as epilepsy), infectious diseases (such as AIDS dementia), and brain tumors.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#top" style="font-weight: bold;">top</a>></em></p><hr style="height: 1px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><a id="ninds" name="ninds" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </a></p><h4 style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; page-break-after: avoid;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke</i></h4><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since its creation by Congress in 1950, the NINDS has grown to become the leading supporter of neurological research in the United States. Most research funded by the NINDS is conducted by scientists in public and private institutions such as universities, medical schools, and hospitals. Government scientists also conduct a wide array of neurological research in the more than 20 laboratories and branches of the NINDS itself. This research ranges from studies on the structure and function of single brain cells to tests of new diagnostic tools and treatments for those with neurological disorders.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For information on other neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute's Brain Resources and Information Network (BRAIN) at:</span></p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">BRAIN<br>P.O. Box 5801<br>Bethesda, MD 20824<br><a href="tel:(800) 352-9424" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold;">(800) 352-9424</a><br><a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/" style="font-weight: bold;">www.ninds.nih.gov</a> <a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/know_your_brain.htm#top" style="font-weight: bold;">Top</a></span><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font>Prepared by:<br>Office of Communications and Public Liaison<br>National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke<br>National Institutes of Health<br>Bethesda, MD 20892<br></font> </span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-89339686702441049832016-02-14T02:07:00.001-08:002016-02-14T02:07:08.306-08:00The health benefits of nutmeg oil<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER_NzOMs459QxFFKshr9rO0yMnvqx69KsH3MTf70YjS0kEn87GJJzW0fcezz9X2AoQa1d0gcwLI3sEYwiUbiHON7D9VhvNYCf83qcbHs6M586zbU-YD_7IWJgUk3lv2749cY1wHMA7O4/s640/blogger-image--160476477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER_NzOMs459QxFFKshr9rO0yMnvqx69KsH3MTf70YjS0kEn87GJJzW0fcezz9X2AoQa1d0gcwLI3sEYwiUbiHON7D9VhvNYCf83qcbHs6M586zbU-YD_7IWJgUk3lv2749cY1wHMA7O4/s640/blogger-image--160476477.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The health benefits of nutmeg oil include its ability to treat stress, pain, menstrual cramps, heart disorders, indigestion, blood pressure, cough and bad breath. The health benefits of nutmeg oil can be attributed to its medicinal properties such as its role as a sedative, stimulant, relaxing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and bactericidal substance.</div><div><br></div><div>Nutmeg has the Latin name Myristica fragrans. It is also known by other common names in various countries as mace, muscdier, magic, muskatbaum, noz moscada, myristica, nuez moscada and nux moschata.</div><div>The nutmeg tree grows very tall and may reach up to seventy feet in height. Nutmeg oil is obtained from the seed of the nutmeg tree fruit. The fruit, when dried, produces nutmeg (the seed) and mace (the covering). Traditionally, nutmeg was believed to be effective against the plague and hence it was popular during the Elizabethan era.</div><div><br></div><div>Health Benefits of Nutmeg Oil</div><div><br></div><div>The health benefits of nutmeg oil include the following:</div><div><br></div><div>Pain relief: Nutmeg oil is very useful for treating muscular and joint pain as it is an excellent sedative. Nutmeg oil is also anti-inflammatory, so massaging nutmeg oil on the affected area is an effective treatment for arthritis, rheumatism, and lumbago. Nutmeg oil is an essential part of Chinese medicine when it comes to treating abdominal pain and inflammation. It also reduces swelling of the joints. Often, overexertion leads to body or muscle ache, and in such cases, nutmeg oil can be very useful in removing the pain.</div><div><br></div><div>Menstrual Cramps:Some women face menstrual irregularities and suffer from menstrual cramps. Nutmeg oil is very helpful for these women, and it can also reduce the associated symptoms of periods like mood swings, depression, and hormone imbalance.</div><div><br></div><div>Indigestion: Nutmeg oil is good for digestion and helps in relieving stomach aches and removing gas from the stomach and intestines. Therefore, nutmeg oil is good for indigestion, flatulence, vomiting, and diarrhea. It also encourages an increase in appetite. Care should be taken when consuming nutmeg oil, and it should only be applied internally in low doses.</div><div><br></div><div>Blood Circulation: Nutmeg oil is a good stimulant, not only for the mind, but also for the rest of the body. Its relaxing aroma comforts the body, increases blood circulation and therefore helps those who have poor blood circulation.</div><div><br></div><div>Respiratory Problems: Nutmeg oil forms an important ingredient in many cough syrups and cold rubs as it helps in relieving congestion and cold symptoms. It is also believed that nutmeg oil can be used for treating asthma.</div><div><br></div><div>Brain tonic: Nutmeg oil stimulates the brain and therefore removes mental exhaustion and stress. It is also believed that nutmeg oil improves the quality of your dreams, making them more intense and colorful. It is a good remedy for anxiety as well as depression. Nutmeg oil is often used in homeopathy. In the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, nutmeg was popular as an effective brain tonic in spite of its high cost and rarity. Nutmeg oil also enhances concentration and increases your overall efficiency at study and work.</div><div><br></div><div>Heart Problems: Nutmeg oil can also stimulate the cardiovascular system and is therefore considered a good tonic for the heart.</div><div><br></div><div>Bad Breath: The woody aroma of nutmeg oil helps to remove bad breadth. It is also antiseptic in nature and is effective for toothaches and aching gums. As a result, it is also added to numerous toothpastes and mouthwashes.</div><div><br></div><div>Liver Tonic: An important health benefit of nutmeg oil is its ability to treat liver disease. The oil is capable of removing toxins from the liver, thereby making it a good liver tonic.</div><div><br></div><div>Kidney Health: Nutmeg oil is often recommended for treating kidney infections and kidney diseases. It also helps in dissolving kidney stones and accumulations of uric acid in other parts of the body, like those which lead to gout and joint inflammation.</div><div><br></div><div>Other Benefits of Nutmeg and Nutmeg Oil</div><div><br></div><div>Spice: The herb is very popular as a spice and is often used in culinary purposes. In cooking, nutmeg is versatile and can be used in potato dishes and meat preparations in Europe, garam masala in India, and as a curry ingredient in Japan.</div><div><br></div><div>Incense: Nutmeg is used in various incense sticks due to its woody fragrance. It is also believed that Roman priests used to burn nutmeg as incense.</div><div><br></div><div>Flavor: Nutmeg, or Jaiphal as it is called in Hindi, is a very popular flavoring agent in making sweets in India. It is also used in baked goods, sauces, ice cream, and custards. Certain coffee drinks, including cappuccino, are flavored using nutmeg and cinnamon.</div><div><br></div><div>Soaps: The antiseptic properties of nutmeg make it useful in the manufacturing of antiseptic soaps. Nutmeg essential oil is used for bathing as well, due to its refreshing nature.</div><div>Cosmetics: Since nutmeg oil is antibacterial and antiseptic, it is used in many cosmetics meant for dull, oily or wrinkled skin. It is also used in making after shave lotions and creams.</div><div>Room Freshener: Nutmeg oil can be used as a room freshener, again due to its woody and pleasant aroma.</div><div>Tobacco: Nutmeg oil is commonly used in the tobacco industry to change the flavor of the tobacco blend slightly.</div><div>Blending: Nutmeg oil blends well with many other essential oils including lavender, rosemary, orange, black pepper, clary sage, eucalyptus, ginger, and ylang-ylang oils.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-57771277517872537752016-02-07T16:13:00.001-08:002016-02-07T16:13:00.165-08:00The potential melanogenic effect of compounds from Zingiber cassumunar
Roxb<div>Editor: Devanand Sarkar, Virginia Commonwealth University, UNITED STATES</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzUc5Qcr1giPGBCsC2kUCz7OM9g026aB0TARzgIPDJRzDaizVvllBvaxb4rCqfQdkKq018Cs9AaOOrR_AyObHqdivJPUlVUw6L2whxXB9HDeUeCZvl7CznIDu31iviOXvdHrGfwuNHL0/s640/blogger-image--1727203722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzUc5Qcr1giPGBCsC2kUCz7OM9g026aB0TARzgIPDJRzDaizVvllBvaxb4rCqfQdkKq018Cs9AaOOrR_AyObHqdivJPUlVUw6L2whxXB9HDeUeCZvl7CznIDu31iviOXvdHrGfwuNHL0/s640/blogger-image--1727203722.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AYt9JvhChylEi0BZJzv13qqEQrrs_Aet2dTHk0H1KXT2EPrAOi_K6XetxXxnaveR4NA5-FRfkZeRKUtdleV6lHxbqLSpdLp8y0PjH5_aNI0Q14jq1IHwCdw1i2lgOyBoTeFS97y2fnU/s640/blogger-image-1131609357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AYt9JvhChylEi0BZJzv13qqEQrrs_Aet2dTHk0H1KXT2EPrAOi_K6XetxXxnaveR4NA5-FRfkZeRKUtdleV6lHxbqLSpdLp8y0PjH5_aNI0Q14jq1IHwCdw1i2lgOyBoTeFS97y2fnU/s640/blogger-image-1131609357.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Received: July 8, 2015; Accepted: October 15, 2015; Published: November 4, 2015</div><div>This is an open access article.</div><div><br></div><div>Abstract </div><div>We investigated the potential melanogenic effect of compounds from Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. Our data revealed that chloroform-soluble extract of Z. cassumunar enhanced mela- nin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. Among the components of the chloroform extract, (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-ol (DMPB) increased melanogenesis in both B16F10 cells and human primary melanocytes. In B16F10 cells, DMPB enhanced the acti- vation of ERK and p38, and the level of tyrosinase. Although the level of microphthalmia- associated transcription factor was unchanged in DMPB-treated B16F10 cells, DMPB increased levels and nuclear localization of upstream stimulating factor-1 (USF1). Consis- tently, DMPB-mediated melanin synthesis was diminished in USF1-knockdown cells. Fur- thermore, DMPB induced hyperpigmentation in brown guinea pigs in vivo. Together, these data suggest that DMPB may promote melanin synthesis via USF1 dependent fashion and could be used as a clinical therapeutic agent against hypopigmentation-associated diseases. </div><div><br></div><div>Introduction </div><div>Melanin, which is synthesized in the melanosomes of melanocytes, serves a number of valuable functions, such as determining the appearance of the skin and protecting it from the harmful effects of ultra violet (UV) radiation (and thus skin cancer), toxic drugs and chemicals [1]. Excessive melanin production occurs in melasma, lentigo, nevocellular nevi and malignant melanoma, whereas the loss of melanocyte function leads to vitiligo. Therefore, it is critical to appropriately control the balance of melanin synthesis in the skin. Melanin synthesis is controlled by various enzymes, such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1) and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2/DOPA, chrome tautomerase). Tyrosinase is a rate-limiting enzyme for melanin synthesis, where it is involved in two distinct reactions: it first catalyzes the hydroxylation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), and then promotes the oxidation of DOPA to DOPA quinone [2], which undergoes several reactions to eventually form melanin. Therefore, many researchers have sought to control the expression or activation of tyrosinase. The transcription of melanogenic enzymes is regulated by microphthalmia-asso- ciated transcription factor (MITF) [3] and tyrosinase transcription is also regulated by USF (upstream stimulating factor)-1, which is member of the evolutionarily conserved basic-helix- loop-helix family of eukaryotic leucine zipper transcription factors [4]. In the tyrosinase pro- moter, the elements recognized by MITF are also targeted by USF1 [5]. In addition, an essential role of p53, a tumor suppressor protein, in the induction of UV-induced epidermal hyperpig- mentation via direct activation of POMC transcription in keratinocytes [6] and/or regulation of paracrine cytokine signaling, both in keratinocytes and melanocytes, has been reported [7]. </div><div><br></div><div>Numerous studies have sought to identify the factors involved in controlling melanin synthesis. A number of natural products have been reported to inhibit melanogenesis by regulating melanogenic enzymes, including Hoelen extracts [8], sesamol (3,4-methylenedioxyphenol) [9]. In addition, Arthrophytum scoparium extract [10], Caffeoylserotonin [11] and the aqueous fraction from Cuscuta japonica [12] have been shown to inhibit melanogenesis by regulating MITF. These agents have all been used to develop anti-melanogenic agents for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders. Several studies have also identified plant extracts that have pro- melanogenic response, including the citrus flavonoid naringenin [13], kavalactones [14], cou- marin [15], and rosmarinic acid [16]. Naringenin upregulates MITF and tyrosinase through wnt/β-catenin pathway. Rosmarinic acid promotes expression of tyrosinase by activating PKA/ CREB pathway. They have been suggested as photo-protecting and pro-melanogenic agents. Therefore, finding a natural product that is capable of regulating melanin synthesis could contribute to treating melanin-dependent diseases. </div><div><br></div><div>Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (Zingiberaceae) is a tropical ginger that is widely distributed in Southeast Asia [17] and has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for gastrointestinal dis- tress and motion sickness [18]. In addition, two main constituents of Z. cassumunar, phenylbu- tenoids [19–22] and curcuminoids [23], have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory [24,25], anti-tumor [21,22] and antioxidant [23] activities. The inflammatory response is believed to be closely related to melanin synthesis [26,27], and Albert et al. have reported that inflammation of the uveal tract is associated with vitiligo [28]. Therefore, the inflammatory response appears to be a cause of hyperpigmentation diseases in human skin. Despite its effects on the inflammatory response, however, little is known about the effects of Z. cassumunar on melanogenesis. Therefore, we herein investigated the effects of Z. cassumunar on melanogenesis. </div><div><br></div><div>Materials and Methods </div><div><br></div><div>Materials and Antibodies </div><div><br></div><div>The polyclonal antibody against tyrosinase and the monoclonal antibodies against phospho- ERK, ERK and β-actin were purchased from Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA, USA). The poly- clonal antibodies against phospho-p38, p38 were purchased from Cell Signaling (Danvers, MA, USA) and the polyclonal antibody against MITF was purchased from Proteintech (Chi- cago, IL, USA). The monoclonal antibody against USF1 was purchased from AbCam (Cam- bridge, MA, USA). The α-MSH and L-DOPA were purchased from Sigma (St. Louis, MO, USA). PD98059 and SB239063 were obtained from Calbiochem (Darmstadt, Germany). </div><div><br></div><div>Cell culture and transfection </div><div>Mouse melanoma cell line B16F10 cells were obtained from ATCC and cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM; WelGene, Daegu, Korea) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) with gentamicin (50 μg/ml, Sigma) at 37°C in a humidified 5% CO2 atmo- sphere. Primary human epidermal melanocytes were purchased from Lonza (Basel, Switzer- land) and maintained in Melanocyte Growth Medium-4 (Lonza), supplemented with 5% FBS, recombinant human-fibroblast growth factor B, rh-insulin, gentamicin sulfate amphotericin-B, calcium chloride, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, bovine pituitary extract and hydrocortisone, at 37°C in a humidified 5% CO2 atmosphere. Transient transfections of HEK293T cells were carried out using the Vivamagic reagent (Vivagen, Gyeonggi-Do, Korea). Transient transfec- tions of siRNAs were carried out using the Lipofectamine 2000 reagent purchased from Invi- trogen (Carlsbad, CA, USA). </div><div>RNA extraction and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) </div><div>Total RNA was extracted from cells and reverse transcribed, and aliquots of the resulting cDNA were amplified using the following primers: mouse tyrosinase (forward) 5'-CGAGC CTGTGCCTCCTCTAA-3' and (reverse) 5'-CCAGGACTCACGGTCATCCA-3'; mouse MITF (forward) 5’-GGAACAGCAACGAGCTAAGG-3’ and (reverse) 5’- TGATGATCCGATTCACC AGA-3’; and β-actin, (forward) 5'-TGGAATCCTGTGGCATCCATGAAA-3' and (reverse) 5'-TAAAACGCAGCTCAGTAACAGTCCG-3'. After an initial denaturation at 94°C for 5 min- utes, samples were subjected to 30 cycles of denaturation at 94°C for 30 seconds, annealing at 52°C for 30 seconds, and extension at 72°C for 60 seconds. </div><div>RNA interference </div><div>siRNA mediated down regulation of MITF and USF1 was achieved with the MITF specific sequence 5'-GGUGAAUCGGAUCAUCAAG-d(TT)-3' and 5'-CUUGAUGAUCCGAUUCA CC-d(TT)-3' and with the USF1 specific sequence 5'-UGGAAGAUCUCAAGAACAA-d (TT)-3' and 5'-UUGUUCUUGAGAUCUUCCA-d(TT)-3'. Scrambled siRNA (siGEN- OMEnontargetingsiRNA 2) were purchased from Dharmacon (Chicago, IL, USA) and used as a control. </div><div>Western blot </div><div><br></div><div>The cultures were washed twice with PBS and the cells were lysed in lysis buffer (50 mM Tris, pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl, 1% Nonidet P-40, 10 mM NaF, and 2 mM Na3VO4) containing a prote- ase inhibitor mixture [1 μg/ml aprotinin, 1 μg/ml antipain, 5 μg/ml leupeptin, 1 μg/ml pepsta- tin A, and 20 μg/ml phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF)]. The total cell lysates were clarified by centrifugation at 13,000 Xg for 15 min at 4°C, denatured with SDS sample buffer, boiled, and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Nuclear extract was isolated using Nuclear extraction kit (Abcam) and lysates were denatured with SDS sample. The resolved proteins were transferred to polyvinylidene difluoride membranes (Millipore; Billerica, MA, USA), probed with the appropriate antibodies, and detected by ECL (AbClon; Seoul, Korea). </div><div><br></div><div>Quantification of melanin </div><div><br></div><div>Melanin contents were measured as described in a previous study [29]. Cells were washed twice with PBS, detached by incubation with trypsin/EDTA, and collected by centrifugation at 1000 Xg for 3 minutes. Thereafter, 5 X105 cells were solubilized in 100 μl of 1 N NaOH-10% DMSO at 80°C for 2 hr. The dissolved melanin was assessed by absorbance at 405 nm, and the melanin content was determined using a standard curve generated with synthetic melanin (Sigma). </div><div><br></div><div>Tyrosinase activity assays </div><div><br></div><div>Active tyrosinase was analyzed as described in a previous study [30]. Cells were lysed in 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) containing 1% Triton X-100, 1 μM PMSF, 1 μg/ml aprotinin, and 10 μg/ml leupeptin. The lysates were clarified by centrifugation at 13,000 Xg for 15 min at 4°C. Clarified lysates were reacted with 5mM L-DOPA at 37°C for 2 hr, and tyrosi- nase activity was determined by measuring the absorbance at 470 nm. For analyzing intracellu- lar tyrosinase activity, cells were plated to coverslips in 12-well plates, fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde for 20 min, washed with PBS, and incubated in sodium phosphate buffer with 10 mM L-DOPA for 3 hr at 37°C. The cells were then washed with PBS and the coverslips were mounted on glass slides. </div><div><br></div><div>Immunofluorescence analysis </div><div><br></div><div>B16F10 were plated to 12-well plates containing coverslips, and treated with DMPB (30 μM) for 3 hr. Cells were fixed with 3.5% paraformaldehyde and permeablized with 0.5% triton X- 100 in PBS. The cells were then washed with PBS, blocked with 0.5% BSA and incubated over- night with the anti-USF1 antibody at 4°C. After a further wash with PBS, the cells were incu- bated with Texasred conjugated goat anti-rabbit antibody (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) for 1 hr at 25°C. The coverslips were mounted on glass slides with mounting solution containing 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and the results were observed by fluorescence microscopy (Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). </div><div><br></div><div>Cell proliferation assay </div><div><br></div><div>Cell proliferation was measured using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenylte- trazolium bromide] assay. In brief, B16F10 cells were harvested with 0.05% trypsin/EDTA and seeded to 96-well plates at 5X103 cells/well. After incubation, medium containing 0.5 mg/ml MTT (100 μl; Sigma) was added to each well, and the cells were incubated for 1 hr. The medium was then removed and 100 μl of acidic isopropanol (90% isopropanol, 0.5% SDS, 25 mM NaCl) was added to each well. The mean concentration of absorbance at 570 nm in each sample set was measured using a 96-well microtiter plate reader (Dynatech; Chantilly, VA, USA). </div><div><br></div><div>Guinea pig model experiments </div><div><br></div><div>This study was performed in compliance with the Principles of Laboratory Animal Care and was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of the Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea). Brownish Kwl:A1 guinea pigs were purchased from Central Lab Animal (Seoul, Korea), anesthetized weekly with a mixture (1:4) of xylazine (Rompun; Bayer Korea, Korea) and Zoletil (Zoletil 50; Virbac, France) given intramuscularly, and shaved. The dorsal skin was separated into three areas (1 cm x 1 cm each), and 100 μM of DMPB, 350 μM of DMPB, or DMSO alone (50 μl each) was topically applied to the center of the allocated area 12 times over 3 weeks. On day 35, skin specimens were obtained by 5-mm punch biopsies, embedded in Tissue-Tek OCT compound (Sakura Fine Technical; Tokyo, Japan), and quickly frozen. The frozen specimens were cut to 10-μm thickness and fixed in ice cold acetone for 10 min. Melanin pigment was visualized with stan- dard Fontana—Masson staining. Image analysis was performed on a representative area of three randomly selected fields using the ImageJ program (http://rsb.info.gov/ij/). For melanocyte counting, sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, and random fields were examined under a microscope (x400). Dermatologists counted the melanocytes within four dif- ferent fields from a 0.5-mm length of epidermis. All animals were sacrificed with CO2 inhala- tion after study. </div><div>Statistical analysis </div><div>Data are presented as the means from three independent experiments. Statistical analyses were performed using the unpaired Student’s t test. A p-value less than 0.01 or 0.05 was considered statistically significant. </div><div><br></div><div>Results </div><div><br></div><div>(E)-4-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-ol from Z. cassumunar enhances melanin synthesis </div><div><br></div><div>The methanol extract of Z. cassumunar was partitioned with hexanes, chloroform, and butanol, subsequently, as described previously [20] and then compared the melanin contents of B16F10 mouse melanoma cells in the presence or absence of these extracts (20 μg/ml) for 48 hr. We found that chloroform extract, but not hexane or butanol extracts, enhanced melanin synthesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells (Fig 1A). From the chloroform fraction, we isolated three com- pounds [20]: (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-ol (DMPB), (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) but-1,3-diene (DMPBD) and (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-yl acetate (DMPBA). As shown in Fig 1B, we repeated the above assay to determine which compound affected melano- genesis, and found that only DMPB increased melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells (Fig 1B), show- ing a dose-dependent effect that was maximum among cells treated with 30 μM (Fig 1C) for 48 hr (Fig 1D). These effects were found to be comparable (though slightly lower) than those of α- melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) (Fig 1E). Together, these data suggest that DMPB extracted from Z. cassumunar enhances melanin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. </div><div>DMPB enhances tyrosinase expression but not tyrosinase activity </div><div><br></div><div>Since DMPB increased the levels of melanin in our system, we next investigated whether it could affect the expression of tyrosinase, which plays a critical role in melanogenesis. As shown in Fig 2A, Western blotting and RT-PCR analyses revealed that the expression levels of tyrosi- nase were significantly up-regulated in B16F10 cells treated with 30 μM of DMPB for 48 hr. Similarly, tyrosinase activity showed that total tyrosinase activity increased in response to DMPB treatment (Fig 2A). L-DOPA staining showed that the level of intracellular tyrosinase activity was increased in DMPB-treated B16F10 cells (Fig 2B), confirming the abovementioned increase in total tyrosinase activity among DMPB-treated cells. However, when we adjusted the amount of tyrosinase in the reaction mixture, the tyrosinase activity was comparable in B16F10 cells with and without DMPB treatment (Fig 2C). This suggests that the increase of tyrosinase </div><div><br></div><div>Fig 1. (E)-4-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-ol from Z. cassumunar enhances melanin synthesis. (A) The methanol extract of Z. cassumunar was partitioned with hexanes, chloroform, and butanol (top panel). B16F10 cells were treated with three fractions of Z. cassumunar (BF: Butanol fraction, CF: Chloroform fraction, HF: Hexane fraction; 20 μg/ml, 48hr). The melanin contents were analyzed by measuring the absorbance at 405 nm (bottom panel). DMSO was used as a control. The mean percentages of melanin content are shown. **, p < 0.01 versus DMSO treated cells. (B) B16F10 cells were treated with the indicated compounds extracted from Z. cassumunar (30 μM each) for 48 hr, and the melanin contents were determined. *, p < 0.05 versus DMSO treated cells. (C,D) B16F10 cells were treated with either various concentrations of DMPB for 48 hr (C) or with 30 μM of DMPB for the indicated times (D), and the mean percentages of melanin content are shown. (E) B16F10 cells were treated with of 30 μM of DMPB or 1 μM of α-MSH for 48 hr. The mean percentages of melanin content are shown. **, p < 0.01 versus DMSO treated cells. </div><div><br></div><div>activity in DMPB-treated B16F10 cells was due to increased tyrosinase levels rather than increased tyrosinase activity. Since increased cell numbers might affect the total tyrosinase activity, we used a colorimetric assay to investigate whether DMPB affected the proliferation of B16F10 cells, but found that cell number increased similarly over time in the presence or absence of DMPB (Fig 2D), suggesting that this agent does not affect the proliferation of B16F10 cells. Together, these findings support our contention that DMPB increases melanin synthesis by up-regulating tyrosinase expression. </div><div><br></div><div>MAP kinases are involved in DMPB-mediated melanogenic control </div><div>The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is known to be involved in regulating melanin synthesis by modulating the expression of tyrosinase. UV irradiation and Fig 2. DMPB increases tyrosinase expression but not tyrosinase activity. (A) B16F10 cells were treated with 30 μM of DMPB for 48 hr, and mRNA level of tyrosinase was analyzed by RT-PCR (top panel). Total cell lysate was extracted and tyrosinase levels were measured by Western blot analysis. The relative density of tyrosinase(TYR) was quantitated using Image Studio software (middle panel). The mean percentages of tyrosinase density ± SD are shown *, p < 0.05 versus DMSO treated cells. DMPB-treated B16F10 cells (30 μM, 48 hr) were lysed. Cell lysates (100 μg) were reacted with L-DOPA at 37°C for 2 hr, and tyrosinase activity was determined at 470 nm (bottom panel). The mean percentages of tyrosinase activity ± SD are shown **, p < 0.01 versus DMSO treated cells. (B) DMPB-treated B16F10 cells (48 hr) were reacted with L-DOPA at 37°C for 30 min. Bright-field microscopic images are shown. Scale bars = 50 μm. (C) Cell lysates (20 μg and 40 μg) from B16F10 cells treated with the indicated concentrations of DMPB were subjected to Western blot analysis using an anti-tyrosinase antibody (top panel) or reacted with L-DOPA at 37°C for 2 hr to determine tyrosinase activity (bottom panel). The mean percentages of tyrosinase activity ± SD are shown. (D) B16F10 cells were incubated with various concentrations of DMPB for the indicated time periods, and cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Percentage values were compared between treated and untreated (control). Data are expressed as mean ± SD for three independent experiments. </div><div><br></div><div>α-MSH have been shown to activate p38 MAPK, subsequently up-regulating the expression of tyrosinase [4,12,31]. In addition, ERK activation phosphorylates cAMP response element bind- ing protein (CREB), which binds to the CRE consensus motif in the MITF promoter to up-reg- ulate MITF gene expression [32]. Therefore, we next investigated whether DMPB affects the MAPK signaling cascade. In particular, we compared the activity levels of ERK and p38 using Western blotting with phospho-specific antibodies. At 3 hr after treatment, compared with untreated control cells, DMPB-treated cells increased the activity of ERK and p38 kinase (Fig 3A) but not Jnk (data not shown), suggesting that DMPB-mediated melanogenesis is closely related to increases in MAPK activity. Consistently, the activity of ERK and p38 kinase remained increased for 48 hr (Fig 3B). When B16F10 cells were pretreated with PD98059 and U0126 (a specific inhibitor of MEK), we observed decreases in various DMPB-induced effects, including ERK phosphorylation, tyrosinase expression and melanin synthesis (Fig 3C). Simi- larly, SB239063 and SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38) alleviated DMPB-induced p38 phos- phorylation, tyrosinase expression and melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells (Fig 3D). These findings indicate that both ERK and p38 seem to be involved in DMPB-mediated melanogenic control. </div><div><br></div><div> </div><div><br></div><div> DMPB enhances melanogenisis is an upstream stimulating factor- 1-dependent fashion </div><div><br></div><div>It has been reported that tyrosinase gene transcription is regulated by several transcription fac- tors including MITF, p53 and USF1 [4,33,34]. MITF is a basic helix—loop—helix leucine zip- per (bHLH-LZ) transcription factor that binds the tyrosinase gene promoter region to activate tyrosinase gene expression [3]. Therefore, we speculated that MITF might be involved in DMPB-mediated melanogenic regulation. We used Western blotting to analyze the levels of MITF in B16F10 cells treated with DMPB. However, DMPB did not affect MITF expression (Data not shown) and nuclear translocation of MITF (Fig 4A), suggesting that DMPB does not affect MITF expression. To further investigate the potential involvement of MITF in the regula- tion of DMPB-mediated melanin synthesis, we used unique siRNA sequences targeted against MITF to knock down the expression levels of MITF. B16F10 transfected with the siRNA </div><div><br></div><div>Fig 3. MAP kinases are involved in DMPB-mediated melanogenic control. (A) B16F10 cells were treated with 30 μM of DMPB for the indicated time periods, and the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK and levels of tyrosinase were analyzed by Western blot analysis. (B) B16F10 cells were treated with the indicated amounts of DMPB for 48 hr, and the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK and levels of tyrosinase were analyzed by Western blot analysis. (C) B16F10 cells were preincubated with (+) or without (-) the inhibitor (1 μM of PD98059, 10 μM of U0126) for 1 hr, then treated with 30 μM of DMPB for 48 hr, and Western blot analysis was performed with the indicated antibodies (top panel). The melanin contents were analyzed by measuring the absorbance at 405 nm (bottom panel). The mean percentages of melanin content are shown *, p < 0.05 versus DMSO treated cells. (D) B16F10 cells were preincubated with (+) or without (-) p38 inhibitors (5 μM of SB239063 for 30 min, 10 μM of SB203580 for 1 hr) and treated with 30 μM of DMPB for 48 hr, and Western blot analysis was performed with the indicated antibodies (top panel). The melanin contents were analyzed by measuring the absorbance at 405 nm (bottom panel). The mean percentages of melanin content are shown *, p < 0.05 versus DMSO treated Fig 6. DMPB enhances hyperpigmentation in brown guinea pigs. (A) The dorsal skins of guinea pigs were topically treated with DMSO (control), 100 μM DMPB, or 350 μM DMPB (50 μl each) 12 times in 3 weeks. On day 35 (after the first treatment), skin specimens were obtained by a 5-mm punch biopsy. (B) Frozen skin specimens were cut at 10- μM thickness, and melanin pigment was visualized by Fontana-Masson staining. Original magnification, X200. (C) Bar graph showing the mean percentage of melanin ± SD in the epidermis. Fontana-Masson-stained melanin in three randomly selected fields was measured with the ImageJ program. *, p < 0.05 versus DMSO treated skins. </div><div><br></div><div> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>MAPK pathway results in the phosphorylation of MITF on serine 307 and the subsequent upregulation of MITF target genes in osteoclasts [43]. In parallel with increased melanin synthesis, we found that the phosphorylation levels of ERK and p38, but not Jnk, were significantly enhanced after DMPB treatment, suggesting that the DMPB-mediated melanogenic effects may occur via MAPK-mediated pathways (Fig 3A and 3B). Consistent with this notion, the MAPK-specific inhibitors, PD98059, U0126, SB239063 and SB203580, reduced the DMPB- mediated increase of melanin synthesis (Fig 3C and 3D). However, DMPB did not affect the level of MITF (Fig 4A and 4D). Therefore, DMPB seems to regulate melanin synthesis by altering tyrosinase expression in an MITF-independent manner. </div><div>Another bHLH-LZ transcription factor, USF1 is regulated by various signaling pathways, including ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. In HepG2 cells, activation of ERK mediated by HGF phos- phorylates of USF1 [44]. In response to UV stress, activation of p38 MAPK/USF1 appears essential for protecting skin through enhancement of melanogenesis [45]. Both ERK1/2 and p38 MAPKs phosphorylate at Ser153 site of USF1 [46]. USF1 stimulates melanin synthesis as a transcription factor of tyrosinase, MC1R and POMC [4, 45], and maintains genomic stability via its involvement in DNA repair [47]. Therefore, it is highly possible that USF1 plays a role in DMPB-mediated melanogenesis. Our data clearly showed that USF1 regulates DMPB-medi- ated melanogenesis as a transcription factor of tyrosinase (Fig 4). DMPB enhanced the level of USF1 (Figs 4A and 5E) and stimulated its translocation to the nucleus (Fig 4A and 4E). In addi- tion, siRNA knockdown of USF1, but not MITF (Fig 4C), led to significant inhibition of tyrosi- nase-mediated melanogenesis by DMPB (Figs 4F and 5F). </div><div><br></div><div>Based on these results, we propose that DMPB promotes melanin synthesis through increasing USF1-mediated tyrosinase expression. </div><div>In this study, we found new pro-melanogenic agent, DMPB. This DMPB clearly enhances melanin synthesis by increasing tyrosinase expression, as shown in cultured melanocyte- derived cells in vitro and in guinea pig skin in vivo. These results provide early evidence that DMPB could act as a pigmenting agent in vivo, and might be useful for treating hypopigmenta- tion-related disorders. Further studies are needed to directly examine the effect of DMPB on skin pigmentation under physiologically relevant conditions. </div><div><br></div><div>Acknowledgments </div><div><br></div><div>National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP), grant number:2012R1A5A1048236 (URL:www.nrf.re.kr); the Korean Health Technology R&D Project, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea, grant number:HI12C0050 (URL: http://www.mw.go.kr); and the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (NRF2012M3A9C4048761). The funders had roles in study design, data collection and analy- sis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. </div><div>Author Contributions </div><div><br></div><div>Conceived and designed the experiments: JP HC SHB ARH EKS SEC DHK ESO. Performed the experiments: JP HC SHB SEC ESO. Analyzed the data: JP HC SHB ARH EKS SEC ESO. Contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools: JP HC SHB ARH EKS SEC ESO. Wrote the paper: JP HC ESO. </div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-68066191438357276452016-02-06T04:41:00.001-08:002016-02-06T04:41:39.046-08:00Zingiber cassumunar blended patches for skin application: Formulation,
physicochemical properties, and in vitro studies<div>Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences</div><div>July 2015, Vol.10(4)</div><div><br></div><div>* <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Jirapornchai SuksaereeLaksana CharoenchaiFameera MadakaChaowalit MontonApirak SakunpakTossaton CharoonratanaWiwat Pichayakorn</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJVHT1oDqY7NsPvyF49LZIS1HuK_a_TpN7gWGvpXamoypIQGqDtZZNYOywrkXQlh2A3t0jmgdeMaDBkMEXVGdf9A05KU-M_Y4qvrznOlnFuC24Di-pVUkM945hM1NBPy3O5axL41ARx0/s640/blogger-image--833827091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJVHT1oDqY7NsPvyF49LZIS1HuK_a_TpN7gWGvpXamoypIQGqDtZZNYOywrkXQlh2A3t0jmgdeMaDBkMEXVGdf9A05KU-M_Y4qvrznOlnFuC24Di-pVUkM945hM1NBPy3O5axL41ARx0/s640/blogger-image--833827091.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgu1OC3p4CUZiJPonfwpHqPrUZsmLX2xiXdUa1h22FHIGr6amJNKQe59inYUdn67aLe85quZAPXF2l5gSmbDfYrZBvwnvjD4ew1VpdHj7kcYQiLRIZ5Ei50CA840oLQADTaRb2scJzc0/s640/blogger-image--1885309556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgu1OC3p4CUZiJPonfwpHqPrUZsmLX2xiXdUa1h22FHIGr6amJNKQe59inYUdn67aLe85quZAPXF2l5gSmbDfYrZBvwnvjD4ew1VpdHj7kcYQiLRIZ5Ei50CA840oLQADTaRb2scJzc0/s640/blogger-image--1885309556.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Abstract</div><div>Our work was to study the preparation, physicochemical characterization, and in vitro characteristic of Zingiber cassumunar blended patches. The Z. cassumunar blended patches incorporating Z. cassumunar Roxb. also known as Plai were prepared from chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol with glycerin as plasticizer. They were prepared by adding all ingredients in a beaker and homogeneously mixing them. Then, they were transferred into Petri-dish and dried in hot air oven. The hydrophilic nature of the Z. cassumunar blended patches was confirmed by the moisture uptake, swelling ratio, erosion, and porosity values. The FTIR, DSC, XRD, and SEM studies showed revealed blended patches with amorphous region that was homogeneously smooth and compact in both surface and cross section dimensions. They exhibited controlled the release behavior of (E)-4-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl) but-3-en-l-ol (compound D) that is the main active compound in Z. cassumunar for anti-inflammation activity. However, in in vitro skin permeation study, the compound D was accumulated in newborn pig skin more than in the receptor medium. Thus, the blended patches showed the suitable entrapment and controlled release of compound D. Accordingly, we have demonstrated that such chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol formulated patches might be developed for medical use.</div><div><br></div><div>1. Introduction</div><div>Topical and transdermal drug delivery systems are intended for external use. They are often dermatologic products such as sunscreens, local anesthetics, antiseptics and anti-inflammatory agents intended for localized action on one or more layers of the skin. Conversely, some transdermal drug delivery systems are designed for percutaneous route of drug delivery in which case skin is not the target. In such case, the drug must be absorbed across the skin which is made up of dermis and epidermis, especially the stratum corneum barrier including sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles [1], and pass into deeper dermal layers to reach the systemic blood circulation. Generally, substances intended for transdermal delivery systems are low molecular weight (100-500 Da), potent non-irritation and non-allergenic [2], [3] and [4]. The delivery system can be categorized as either i) drug in adhesive or ii) drug in matrix systems. The drug is dispersed or dissolved in a polymer matrix and attached to an adhesive layer that contacts the skin. In some cases, the polymer matrix can act as the adhesive layer. Polymer matrix layers and/or the added adhesive layer act as a control of the rate of delivery [5] and [6].</div><div>Thai traditional medicines (herbal medicines) are popular for the treatment of various symptoms and diseases and to promote good health. Although the Western modern medicines are increasingly popular, Thai traditional medicines are still widely used especially among the rural Thais. Herbal medicines may contain variations of active ingredients parts of plants, other plant materials, or combinations that included herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations, and finished herbal products. Zingiber cassumunar Roxb., also known as Thai name “Plai”, is a medicinal plant widely cultivated in Thailand and tropical Asia. It is frequently used as an ingredient in marketed phytomedicines [7] and [8]. The rhizome of Z. cassumunar Roxb. has an anti-inflammatory activity. It has been the source of Thai traditional herbal remedies and extracts for topical application to alleviate inflammation [9], [10] and [11]. The chemical composition of the rhizome oils of Z. cassumunar Roxb. has been previously reported [7], [10], [12], [13], [14], [15] and [16]. The major constituents of the crude oils are terpinen-4-ol, α- and β-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, α- and γ-terpinene, limonene, terpinolene, sabmene, and monoterpenes [12] and [17]. (E)-4-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl) but-3-en-l-ol (compound D) is the main active compound in Z. cassumunar that exhibits anti-inflammatory [11], [15] and [18], analgesic and antipyrectic [11], [15] and [16] activity in experimental models. It is also used as topical treatment for sprains, contusions, joint inflammations, muscular pain, abscesses, and similar inflammation-related disorders [19], [20] and [21]. Thus, this work used the compound D as the marker compound for in vitro study.</div><div>Herbal patches are adhesive patches that incorporate the herbal medicines or extracted herb. When applied to the skin the active compound is released at a constant rate. Such patches are recommended for smoking cessation, herbal body detox foot patch, relief of stress, to increase sexuality, as insect repellants, as male energizer, to improve sleep, to postpone menopause, for rheumatoid arthritis, as herbal plasters patches, etc. [22].</div><div>The aim of the current study was to prepare a Z. cassumunar containing product incorporating the crude Z. cassumunar oil in blended patches that consisted of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer matrix combination using glycerin as plasticizer. Similarly prepared blended patches without crude Z. cassumunar oil served as control. The patches were evaluated with regard to the physicochemical properties as moisture uptake, swelling ratio, erosion, porosity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and in vitro release and skin permeation studies.</div><div><br></div><div>2. Materials and methods</div><div>2.1 Materials</div><div>The Z. cassumunar rhizome powder was purchased from Charoensuk Osod, Thailand. The Z. cassumunar powder was extracted in 95% ethanol and filtered through a 0.45 μm of polyamide membrane to obtain crude Z. cassumunar oil. Chitosan (degree of deacetylation = 85%, mesh size 30) was purchased from Seafresh Industry Public Co., Ltd, Thailand. PVA and glycerin were purchased from Sigma–Aldrich, USA. All organic solvents were analytical grade obtained from Merck KGaA, Germany.</div><div>2.2 Analytical method</div><div>An Agilent 1260 Infinity system (Agilent Technologies, USA.) was used for this experiment with detection at 260 nm, a 4.6 mm × 250 mm diameter, 5 μm particle size C18 column (ACE 5, DV12-7219, USA.), a flow rate of 1 ml/min, and injection volume of 10 μL. The mobile phase was a gradient elution of 2% acetic acid in ultrapure water (A) and methanol (B) of 60 to 50% of A, 50 to 30% of A, 30 to 20% of A, 20 to 50% of A, 50 to 60% of A, and 60% of A for 0–5 min, 5–15 min, 15–25 min, 25–30 min, 30–32 min, and 32–40 min, respectively [23]. The HPLC validation method of compound D provided a limit of detection of 0.20 μg/ml, the limit of quantification of 0.80 μg/ml, good accuracy (95.38–104.76%), precision (less than 2%CV), and linearity with good correlation coefficient (r2) > 0.9999 in the required concentration range of 2–40 μg/ml. The separation method and validation method of compound D from crude Z. cassumunar oil was described in previous publication [23] and [24].</div><div>2.3 Z. cassumunar blended patches preparation</div><div>The chitosan was dissolved in 1% acetic acid in distilled water in concentration of 3.5%w/v. The PVA was dissolved in distilled water in concentration of 20%w/v. The blank blended patches were prepared by 2 g of 3.5%w/v chitosan were mixed together with 5 g of 20%w/v of PVA, and homogeneously mixed with 2 g of glycerin as plasticizer to obtain clear polymer blended solution. The Z. cassumunar blended patches were prepared as 3 g of the crude Z. cassumunar oil completely dissolved in absolute ethanol and continuously mixed in polymer blend solution. They were transferred into Petri-dish and dried in hot air oven at 70 ± 2 °C for 5 h. Finally, they were peeled from Petri-dish and kept in desiccator until used.</div><div>2.4 Evaluation of blank and Z. cassumunar blended patches</div><div>2.4.1 SEM photography</div><div>The surface and cross section of blank blended patches and Z. cassumunar blended patches were placed onto copper stub and then coated with gold in a sputter coater. They were photographed under SEM equipment (model: Quanta 400, FEI, Czech Republic) with high vacuum and high voltage of 20 kV condition, with Everhart Thornley detector (ETD).</div><div>2.4.2 FTIR study</div><div>The FTIR study employed the Attenuated Total Reflectance – FTIR (ATR-FTIR) technique for the chitosan film, PVA film, crude Z. cassumunar oil, blank blended patches, and Z. cassumunar blended patches. They were scanned at a resolution of 4 cm−1 with 16 scans over a wavenumber region of <a dir="ltr" href="tel:400%20%E2%80%93%204000" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="6">400 – 4000</a> cm−1. The FTIR spectrometer (model: Nicolet 6700, DLaTGS detector, Thermo Scientific, USA.) was used to determine IR transmission spectra and record the characteristic peaks.</div><div>2.4.3 DSC study</div><div>A DSC instrument (model: DSC7, Perkin Elmer, USA) was used to investigate the endothermic transition of the substances that also confirmed the compatibility of each ingredient. The 1 – 10 mg of sample was weighted in DSC pan, hermetically sealed, and run in the DSC instrument at the heating rate of 10 °C/min under a liquid nitrogen atmosphere from 20 °C to 350 °C.</div><div>2.4.4 XRD study</div><div>The XRD (model: X'Pert MPD, PHILIPS, Netherlands) was employed to study the compatibility of the chitosan, PVA, blank blended patches, and Z. cassumunar blended patches. The generator operating voltage and current of X-ray source were 40 kV and 45 mA, respectively, with an angular of 5 – 40° (2θ), and a stepped angle of 0.02° (2θ)/s.</div><div>2.4.5 Moisture uptake, swelling ratio, and erosion studies</div><div>For determination of moisture uptake, swelling ratio and erosion, 1 cm × 1 cm patch specimens were used. For moisture uptake determination, the patch specimens were weighed for their initial value (W0), then moved to a stability chamber (model: Climate Chamber ICH/ICH L, Memmert GmbH + Co. KG, Germany) which controlled the temperature at 25 ± 2 °C and 75% relative humidity environment. The specimens were removed and weighed until constant (Wu). The percentage of moisture uptake was calculated by Equation (1) [25]</div><div>equation</div><div>1</div><div><br></div><div>The swelling ratio and erosion study were also determined by drying patch specimens at 60 ± 2 °C overnight. Then, they were weighed (W0) and immersed in 5 ml of distilled water and moved to stability chamber (model: Climate Chamber ICH/ICH L, Memmert GmbH + Co. KG, Germany) which controlled the temperature at 25 ± 2 °C and 75% relative humidity environment for 48 h. After removal of excess water, the hydrated patches were weighed (Ws). They were then dried again at 60 ± 2 °C overnight, and weighed again (Wd). The percentage of swelling ratio and the percentage of erosion were calculated by (2) and (3), respectively.</div><div>equation</div><div>2</div><div><br></div><div>equation</div><div>3</div><div><br></div><div>2.4.6 Porosity determination</div><div>After the patch specimens were equilibrated in water, the volume occupied by the water and the volume of the membrane in the wet state were determined. The porosity of patch specimens was obtained by Equation (4).</div><div>equation</div><div>4</div><div><br></div><div>where W1 and W2 = the weights of the membranes in the wet and dry states (g), respectively, dwater = the density of pure water at 20 °C, and w, l, t = the width (cm), length (cm), and thickness (cm) of the membrane in the wet state, respectively [26] and [27].</div><div>2.5 The determination of compound D in patches</div><div>The blended patches were cut into 2 cm × 2 cm specimens from different sites. Each Plai patch sample was soaked with ethanol in 10 ml volumetric flask, and sonicated at 25 °C for 30 min. Then, the solution was sampled for 0.5 ml and transferred into 100 ml volumetric flask and adjusted to volume of 100 ml with ethanol. The solution was filtered through a 0.45 μm filter and analyzed with HPLC method.</div><div>2.6 In vitro release study of compound D</div><div>The modified Franz-type diffusion cell having effective diffusion area of 1.77 cm2 was used for in vitro release and skin permeation study of compound D from the Z. cassumunar blended patches. The receptor medium was 12 ml of isotonic phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4: ethanol = 80:20, thermoregulated with a water jacket at 37 ± 0.5 °C and stirred constantly at 600 rpm with a magnetic stirrer. The crude Z. cassumunar oil was applied on the cellulose membrane (MWCO: 3500 Da, CelluSep® T4, Membrane Filtration Product, Inc., USA) which was used as a barrier between the donor compartment and the receptor compartment. The Z. cassumunar blended patch preparations were cut and placed directly on the donor cells. The 1 ml of receptor solution was withdrawn at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 24 h intervals, and immediately replaced with an equal volume of fresh receptor medium. The compound D content in these samples was determined by an HPLC method.</div><div>2.7 In vitro skin permeation study of compound D</div><div>The in vitro skin permeation of the compound D from the Z. cassumunar blended patches was also carried out using a modified Franz-type diffusion cell [28], and pig skin with hair removed was an applied partitioning membrane [29] and [30]. The newborn pigs of 1.4–1.8 kg weight that had died by natural causes shortly after birth were freshly purchased from a local pig farm in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. The full thickness of flank pig skin was excised, hair was surgically removed, and the subcutaneous fat and other extraneous tissues were trimmed with a scalpel, cleaned with isotonic phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4, blotted dry, wrapped with aluminum foil and stored frozen. Before permeation experiments, this isolated skin was soaked overnight in isotonic phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4, and mounted on the modified Franz-type diffusion cell with the stratum corneum facing upward on the donor compartment. The crude Z. cassumunar oil and Z. cassumunar blended patches were laid onto the isolated skin in the same way as for the release study. The receptor compartment was 12 ml of isotonic phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4: ethanol = 80:20 and stirred constantly at 600 rpm by a magnetic stirrer, at a constant temperature of 37 ± 0.5 °C. A 1 ml of the receptor solution was withdrawn at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 24 h intervals and an equal volume of fresh receptor medium was immediately replaced. The compound D content in these samples was determined by the HPLC method.</div><div>All in vitro release and skin permeation studies were performed in triplicate and the means of all measurements calculated. The results were presented in terms of cumulative percentage release or skin permeation as a function of time using the following formula:</div><div>equation</div><div>5</div><div><br></div><div>where Dt was the amount of compound D released or permeated from the Z. cassumunar blended patches at time t and Dl was the amount of compound D loaded into the Z. cassumunar blended patches.</div><div><br></div><div>3. Results and discussion</div><div>3.1 Evaluation of blank and Z. cassumunar blended patches</div><div>Generally, the Z. cassumunar rhizomes were of deep yellow color possessing a strong camphoraceous smell, warm, spicy, and bitter taste [12], [17] and [31]. The extraction of the Z. cassumunar rhizome powder yielded a clear, high viscosity, yellow-orange crude Z. cassumunar oil. The solvent extraction of plant materials likely produced oleoresin, which contained not only the volatile compounds but also waxes and color pigments [32]. In addition, Sukatta et al. 2009 reported two pathways for Z. cassumunar rhizome extraction-hydro distillation and hexane extraction. They confirmed that hydro distillation produced the yellowish, low viscosity crude Z. cassumunar oil, while the crude Z. cassumunar oil from the hexane extraction was yellow-orange in color and had high viscosity. Commonly, our work could confirm from its appearance that crude Z. cassumunar oil was obtained. Therefore, when crude Z. cassumunar oil was added in blank blended patches, it produced the dark yellow patches referred to as Z. cassumunar blended patches. The photographs of blank blended and Z. cassumunarblended patches were shown in previous reports by our research group [33].</div><div>The SEM technique was used to photograph the high resolution morphology of the surface and cross section of blank blended patches and Z. cassumunar blended patches (Fig. 1). The surface of blank blended patches was homogeneously smooth and dense with no visual pores (Fig. 1A). The surface of Z. cassumunar blended patches became rough and uneven as a result of widely distributed conglomeration and aggregation in the matrix of Z. cassumunar blended patches (photographed by digital camera and presented in previous publication [33]) (Fig. 1B).</div><div><br></div><div>Fig. 1. Surface (×500 (A), ×1000 (B), and ×1500 (C)) and cross section morphology (×1000 (D), ×1500 (E), and ×5000 (F)) of blank blended patches (upper) and Z. cassumunar blended patches (bottom) under SEM technique.</div><div>Recorded spectra are shown in Fig. 2. For the chitosan film, the absorption peaks of stretching vibrations of –OH groups broadly overlapped the stretching vibration of N–H ranging from 3750 to 3000 cm−1. The broad stretching vibrations of C–H bond were observed at <a dir="ltr" href="tel:2920%E2%80%932875" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="20">2920–2875</a> cm−1. The bending vibrations of methylene and methyl groups were also absorbed at 1375 cm−1 and 1426 cm−1, respectively. The spectrum bands in the range of 1680–1480 cm−1 were identified as vibrations of carbonyl bonds of the amide group and vibrations of protonated amine group. The vibrations of CO group occurred in the range from 1160 cm−1–1000 cm−1. In addition, the spectrum band located at around 1150 cm−1 related to asymmetric vibrations of CO in the oxygen bridge resulting from deacetylation of chitosan. The spectrum bands at 1080–1025 cm−1 were attributed to –CO of the ring COH, COC, and CH2OH. Finally, the small spectrum peak at ∼890 cm−1 corresponded to wagging of the saccharide structure of chitosan [34]. Furthermore, the spectrum of acetic acid were found at 3050, 1720, and 1432 related to–OH bond in carboxylic acid, C–O bond, and C–O bond, respectively. In addition, the PVA spectrum showed both O–H stretching and C–O stretching at 3449 and 1637 cm−1, respectively [35] and [36].</div><div><br></div><div>Fig. 2. FTIR spectra of chitosan, PVA, blank blended patches, and Z. cassumunar blended patches.</div><div>The chitosan film, blank blended, and Z. cassumunar blended patches weighed 1.662, 8.747, and 8.821 mg, respectively. They were run with DSC instrument to study the thermal behavior. The thermogram of chitosan film, blank blended, and Z. cassumunar blended patches showed an initial broad peak at 70.33 °C with 231.35 J/g of enthalpy of peak (ΔH), 99.34 °C with 188.307 J/g of ΔH, and 92.37 °C with 78.76 J/g of ΔH, respectively, which was attributed to evaporation of moisture and represented the required energy to vaporize water present in their samples. Moreover, the degradation DSC peak of chitosan film broadly occurred at 323.67 °C with 127.30 J/g of ΔH. In addition, the blank blended patches and Z. cassumunar blended patches revealed high broad endothermic peaks at 257.00 °C with 363.24 J/g of ΔH and 261.00 °C with 606.41 J/g of ΔH, respectively. Although the observed endothermic peaks in blank blended patches and Z. cassumunar blended patches were slightly changed, there were no new exo- or endo-thermic peaks in any experimental ranges indicating compatibility of all ingredients (Fig. 3).</div><div><br></div><div>Fig. 3. DSC thermograms of chitosan, blank blended patches, and Z. cassumunar blended patches.</div><div>The XRD technique was used to identify and characterize crystalline and amorphous form of chitosan film, PVA film, blank blended patches, and Z. cassumunar blended patches that had been studied in range of 5–40° (2θ values) (Fig. 4). The X-ray diffraction profile of chitosan film showed peaks at ∼10° and ∼23° (2θ). The intensity result of PVA film was 19.69° representing their semi-crystalline characters because of the strong intermolecular interaction between PVA chains through intermolecular hydrogen bonding [37]. Thus, the chitosan and PVA film exhibited the semi-crystalline characteristics, but the XRD patterns of blank blended patches and Z. cassumunarblended patches had broad diffraction halo of amorphous region.</div><div><br></div><div>Fig. 4. XRD patterns of chitosan, PVA, blank blended patches, and Z. cassumunar blended patches.</div><div>From above experimentals, the FTIR, DSC and XRD results showed that there were no chemical interactions between any components in blank blended patches or Z. cassumunar blended patches.</div><div>Limpongsa and Umprayn (2008) reported that moisture uptake, swelling ratio, erosion, and porosity values play important roles for the release behavior of active compound in matrix type patches [38]. Thus, this research evaluated these variables as show in Fig. 5. We found that the moisture uptake, swelling ratio, erosion, and porosity of blank blended patches were 28.85 ± 4.17, 21.01 ± 5.38, 2.39 ± 0.41, and 1.92 ± 0.22%, respectively. When crude Z. cassumunar oil was added in blank blended patches, the moisture uptake, swelling ratio, erosion, and porosity of blank blended patches were 28.51 ± 0.78, 20.93 ± 5.88, 2.42 ± 0.98, 1.86 ± 0.24%, respectively, which were not significantly different from blank blended patches. These results are due to the fact that hydrophilic parts of ingredients could be dissolved and eroded from the blended patches. The chitosan and PVA could swell and immediately had the hydrated blended patches contents. The chains mobility of chitosan and PVA increased, therefore, increasing the hydrodynamic volume of the polymer compact.</div><div><br></div><div>Fig. 5. The moisture uptake, swelling ratio, erosion, and porosity values of blank blended patches and Z. cassumunar blended patches.</div><div>3.2 In vitro release study of compound D</div><div>In vitro release of the crude Z. cassumunar oil released compound D calculated as cumulative percentage release 90.43 ± 19.28% after 24 h (Fig. 6). The almost 100% release of compound D in 24 h might be due to rapid diffusion in the receptor medium as a fast, initial burst during the first 6 h.</div><div><br></div><div>Fig. 6. In vitro release of compound D content from crude Z. cassumunar oil and Z. cassumunar blended patches and in vitrorelease kinetics of zero order model (A), first order model (B), and Higuchi's model (C).</div><div>The amount of compound D in the Z. cassumunar blended patches was 2.19 ± 0.16 mg/cm2. When the Z. cassumunar blended patches were studied in in vitro, the cumulative percentage release of compound D was 81.49 ± 10.92% after 24 h (Fig. 6). The release behavior was similar to the compound D release behavior from crude Z. cassumunar oil that had a fast initial burst release during the first 6 h. This behavior was likely due to the compound D on the surface of patches might be rapid diffusion. However, the effect may be attributed to the moisture uptake, swelling ratio, erosion, and porosity whereby the patch could absorb the moisture, and create a space and a large free volume within the blended patches that enhanced compound D diffusion [38]. Moreover, Guo et al. 2011 reported enhanced drug diffusion with amorphous matrix type patches [39] which supports our results in in vitro study. The in vitro release kinetics model of compound D provided a better fit to first-order model than to the zero-order and Higuchi's model (Fig. 6).</div><div>3.3 In vitro skin permeation study of compound D</div><div>The in vitro skin permeation study was carried out in a modified Franz-type diffusion cell using newborn pig skin as a partition membrane. The mean cumulative amount of compound D permeated from crude Z. cassumunar oil and Z. cassumunar blended patches were 38.55 ± 18.48% and 36.72 ± 11.29% after 24 h, respectively (Fig. 7). Although another publication reported that glycerine could enhance drug permeability [40] and [41], the Z. cassumunar blended patches contained only a small amount of glycerin as plasticizer which was unlikely to affect drug permeation. Moreover, compound D was only slightly detected in the receptor medium. Because of its structure, compound D exhibits less hydrophilicity than hydrophobicity [11], [13] and [15]. The in vitro skin permeation kinetics model of compound D provided a better fit to a first-order model than zero-order and Higuchi's model (Fig. 7).</div><div><br></div><div>Fig. 7. In vitro skin permeation of compound D content from crude Z. cassumunar oil and Z. cassumunar blended patches and in vitro skin permeation kinetics of zero order model (A), first order model (B), and Higuchi's model (C).</div><div>Thus, the newborn pig skins were removed from modified Franz-type diffusion cell apparatus. They were cut into small pieces and homogenized, and then were extracted in absolute ethanol. These solutions were analyzed for the remaining compound D content by HPLC method. They contained 60.54 ± 39.55% and 46.77 ± 17.93% compound D content in crude Z. cassumunar oil and Z. cassumunar blended patches, respectively. Thus, the compound D was highly accumulated in newborn pig skin layer minimum permeation into receptor medium. However, the underlying mechanisms for this effect was never reported and will be further studied.</div><div><br></div><div>4 Conclusion</div><div><br></div><div>In the current work prepared the Z. cassumunar blended patches made from chitosan and PVA polymer blends incorporating the crude Z. cassumunar oil. The surface and cross section were photographed for morphology study under SEM technique and the physicochemical properties evaluated by FTIR, DSC, XRD, moisture uptake, swelling ratio, erosion, and porosity. The results revealed compatible, homogeneous, smooth, and compact blended ingredients. The blended patches could absorb the moisture that resulted in swelling of blended patches. They were eroded which increased the number of porous channels homogenously to pass compound D from Z. cassumunar blended patches. The blended patches provided a controlled release and skin permeation of compound D when studied by modified Franz-type diffusion cell apparatus. Thus, the blended patches could be suitably used for herbal medicine application.</div><div><br></div><div>Acknowledgment</div><div><br></div><div>The authors reported no declaration of interests. The authors are thankful to the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Research Institute of Rangsit University (Grant No.74/2555) for financial supports.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-72414894754891640842016-02-03T16:12:00.001-08:002016-02-03T16:12:21.248-08:00Health Benefits of Garlic – Anti-Cancer, Anti-Infection, Detoxify, and
More<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ffk_AvyOAc8rwV8OtaGzH-2yIonzPTz50sGouobWCC0l32R8AxhIP517YRmS2JFwdz9toZhSu0VHzYC9LqZhwU7qTCTi8bTVofJDBqWcjv3xLgRw9KoqE81T-sAuVOkJfwmauKNi7NY/s640/blogger-image--1528981422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ffk_AvyOAc8rwV8OtaGzH-2yIonzPTz50sGouobWCC0l32R8AxhIP517YRmS2JFwdz9toZhSu0VHzYC9LqZhwU7qTCTi8bTVofJDBqWcjv3xLgRw9KoqE81T-sAuVOkJfwmauKNi7NY/s640/blogger-image--1528981422.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A common ingredient for sautéing, garlic is an amazingly healthful and popular spice relative of onion, leek, chive and shallots. While a cooking favorite thanks to great taste, the health benefits of garlic have also been recognized and taken advantage of since the ancient times, showing countless individuals the compelling reasons to increase garlic consumption.</span></div><div><br></div><div>The Many Health Benefits of Garlic – Experience them Today</div><div>If you aren’t already a fan of garlic, you will likely load up your kitchen with the food after reading all it has to offer. Here are some of the health benefits of garlic:</div><div><br></div><div>Boosting the Immune System, Anti-Infection</div><div>If history tells us anything about garlic, it is that the food has many well-known health benefits – the most popular being its anti-infection uses and overall power to boost the immune system. Garlic possess antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal properties allowing it to stand against all infections. Skin conditions caused by bacteria, virus, fungi or yeast can be treated by rubbing raw chopped garlic on the affected area.</div><div>Garlic has been studied not only for it’s ability to fight bacterial and viral infections, but also infection from other microbes including yeasts/fungi and worms. One particular substance found in garlic called ajoene has been used to help prevent infections with the yeast Candida albicans.</div><div>Other research has shown that crushed garlic can help prevent infection by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with burns.</div><div>And of course, garlic is great for boosting the immune system, containing high levels of vitamin C and being identified as a serious anti-cancer food. Because of its high potassium content, it can aid in absorption of essential nutrients, and help avoid digestive problems and fatigue as well. Garlic can also help in lung and throat problems due to its pungent smell. Since consuming garlic can irritate the digestive tract because of its pungent smell, a signal travels to the brain to release watery fluid in the lungs to counter the pungent property, thereby helping clear the lungs out of cough and colds.</div><div>Garlic is a Powerful Cancer Fighter</div><div>Adding more to the health benefits of garlic list, garlic’s role in the prevention of cancer is perhaps one of the most notorious. Scientists believe that the exceptional anti-cancer properties may have to do with the way that garlic boosts the production of something known as hydrogen sulfide. It is the hydrogen sulfide production that researchers believe to be why garlic is so effective at preventing a wide variety of cancer including, prostate, breast, and colon cancer.</div><div>From Cancer.gov’s National Cancer Intitute FactSheet:</div><div>“Several population studies show an association between increased intake of garlic and reduced risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast.”</div><div>One study out of the National Cancer Institute found that eating 10 grams (about two teaspoons) or more of garlic, onions or scallions each day could significantly reduce prostate cancer risk. But this isn’t the only type of cancer garlic can prevent.</div><div>Other research conducted at Case Western Reserve University indicated that garlic may help reduce the occurrence rate of pre-cancerous tumors (polyps) in the large intestine.</div><div><br></div><div>Further showcasing garlic as one of many cancer-fighting foods, several other population studies conducted in China also found that frequent consumption of garlic was associated with reduced risk of esophageal and stomach cancers. The risk seemed to drop as the amount of garlic consumed went up.</div><div>Garlic Fights Inflammation, Protecting Against Numerous Conditions</div><div>Research shows that anti-inflammatory compounds in garlic can also benefit our musculoskeletal system and respiratory system. Two sulfur containing constituents in garlic, diallyl sulfide (DAS) and thiacremonone, have anti-arthritic properties. Garlic has also been shown to improve inflammatory conditions when referring to allergic airway inflammation.</div><div>Surprisingly, the sulfur-containing compounds in garlic may even help the inflammatory aspects of obesity. Fat cells cannot grow 100% unless they are able to move from a preliminary stage called “preadipocytes” to a stage called “adipocytes.” As you may have guessed, thanks to one of the sulfur compounds in garlic, garlic halts this progress. The sulfur compound is 1,2,-vinyldithiin, or 1,2-DT, and the impact of 1,2-DT appears to be inflammation-related. This is exciting because inflammation is being recognized more and more as being a part of obesity.</div><div>Garlic for Detoxification</div><div>Another one of the many health benefits of garlic, this food may also be used to detoxify – an extremely important method everyone should be doing to cleanse the body of toxins. While</div><div><br></div><div> the benefits of garlic for liver health and beyond are many, one reason for its superior effects has to do with the fact that garlic contains numerous sulfur-containing compounds that are known to activate the liver enzymes responsible for expelling toxins from the body. Another lies in the presence of both allicin and selenium, two important nutrients that play an integral role in the protection of the liver from damage</div><div>It is also important to note that many cancers are thought to be caused by damage to DNA, which could be the result of exposure to environmental toxins. One study conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that eating a teaspoon of fresh garlic and a half cup of onions per day could remove toxins in the blood cells due to an increased production of a key toxin-removing enzyme.</div><div>These are only some of the health benefits of garlic.</div><div>Other Health Benefits of Garlic</div><div>* Toothache – Among many home remedies for toothache, the use of garlic has been passed down for years to treat this issue; the antibiotic compound called allicin is what give garlic this ability. When garlic is crushed, this compound is released, helping to slow bacterial activity upon application and ingestion. Try applying a crushed garlic clove or garlic powder to the area. It may burn, but the pain from the toothache could vanish within minutes, although it could take hours. Repeat this over a few days, and you all should be well.</div><div>* Repel mosquitoes – Although not conclusive, there is a long history of using garlic to get rid of many insects. Garlic has a reputation for protecting people from mosquito bites, specifically.</div><div>* Warts – Each night before bed, crush up a clove of garlic, rub it on the wart, and apply a bandage. Additionally, cover the wart with juice from garlic twice a day.</div><div>* Earache – Mix some sesame oil with a garlic clove and warm the mixture up in a pan. Afterwards, use it as ear drops. It is recommended that you allow the mixture to sit in the ear for 10 minutes or longer.</div><div>* Cough – Boiling cloves of garlic and drinking it like tea will not only make it easier to breathe, but it will also help to alleviate itchiness which could cause you to cough continuously. Check out other home remedies for cough here.</div><div>* Stuffy nose or nasal congestion – Adding to garlic benefits, this spice is one ingredient in one of the most popular home remedies for nasal congestion: tomato tea. Tomato tea is by far the most effective method as reported by peers on Earthclinic. It’s hot and spicy, providing steam and pepper to clear your sinuses, as well as a wallop of vitamin C and a boost to the immune system. Combine the following ingredients in a food processor and heat over a stove until steaming.</div><div> * 1 cup tomato juice</div><div> * 1 tsp fresh garlic</div><div> * ½ tsp of hot sauce</div><div> * 1 tsp lemon juice</div><div> * Pinch of sea or celery salt</div><div>—</div><div>A Little Information on Cooking</div><div>It’s important that you’re preparing garlic the right way, as improper preparation and consumption could negate the positive effects. Oftentimes, home chefs will cook garlic immediately after crushing or chopping it, which is not allowing optimal time for enzyme reactions that boost the healthy compounds in garlic. Instead, crush the garlic at room temperature and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. In addition, never cook garlic at high heat — try consuming it raw or cooked lightly.</div><div>Raw garlic can be used to kill bacteria, but cooked garlic has more potency in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.</div><div>If you are worried about garlic causing bad breathe, you can counter this by consuming garlic prepared as pills or capsules. If you want to experience the health benefits of garlic and stave off the odor a different way, consume garlic with parsley, as the herb counters garlic’s bad smell.</div><div>Lastly, much of the research on garlic as an antibiotic has involved fresh garlic extracts or powdered garlic products and not garlic in it’s whole food form. You will, however, experience garlic benefits simply from ingesting the powerful health food.</div><div>Garlic Benefits Summary – Garlic is Great for:</div><div>* Cancer</div><div>* Detoxification</div><div>* Boosting the immune system</div><div>* Infections</div><div>* Inflammation</div><div>* Heart Health</div><div>* Toothache</div><div>* Repel mosquitoes</div><div>* Warts</div><div>* Earache</div><div>* Cough</div><div>* Sore throat</div><div>* Stuffy nose or nasal congestion</div><div>Additional Sources:</div><div>WHFoods</div><div>The Huffington Post</div><div>Pubmed/23387242</div><div>The Journal of Nutrition</div><div>Washington State University</div><div>American Academy of Family Physicians</div><div>Research Penn State</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-35864817114613827412016-01-25T15:39:00.001-08:002016-01-25T15:39:52.076-08:00Clinical Effects of Thai Herbal Compress: A Systematic Review and
Meta-Analysis<div style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><h2 style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hbfQHGMrTV6IaYmgUT1wYI7Cbv33odz0szusDQGm8T9-SRKxwZ6NIV6n5xxqV8paqfiYWzAOyIGyJ_4StytNuCeywbRh11weoFkTx7IN18h329qiTTzl69XpUJ6ZGgcdcvyW6s_BaLk/s640/blogger-image-1437224171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hbfQHGMrTV6IaYmgUT1wYI7Cbv33odz0szusDQGm8T9-SRKxwZ6NIV6n5xxqV8paqfiYWzAOyIGyJ_4StytNuCeywbRh11weoFkTx7IN18h329qiTTzl69XpUJ6ZGgcdcvyW6s_BaLk/s640/blogger-image-1437224171.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeotJmLP2yv6UidtMvv-eLiErArm1XbE8FLWzhMRy1o_6oZdYbix_VxxjU7lJ6EGnfBGb_BHehpoi66l_SG_HILUSjxbUnuW8SURI9Bw6TEU0SUVIk6N-cYKU9_PVDOXcD7k7XyECupM/s640/blogger-image-1814693730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeotJmLP2yv6UidtMvv-eLiErArm1XbE8FLWzhMRy1o_6oZdYbix_VxxjU7lJ6EGnfBGb_BHehpoi66l_SG_HILUSjxbUnuW8SURI9Bw6TEU0SUVIk6N-cYKU9_PVDOXcD7k7XyECupM/s640/blogger-image-1814693730.jpg"></a></div><br></h2><div class="author_gp" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.hindawi.com/65174230/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Teerapon Dhippayom</a>,<span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">1</span> <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/60482701/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Chuenjid Kongkaew</a>,<span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">1,2,3</span> <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/92840954/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk</a>,<span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">2,4,5,6</span> <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/68071801/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Piyameth Dilokthornsakul</a>,<span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">2</span> <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/89829754/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Rosarin Sruamsiri</a>,<span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">2</span> <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/63894932/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Surasak Saokaew</a>,<span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">7</span> and <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/17102925/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Anchalee Chuthaputti</a><span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">8</span></span></font></div><p style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">1</span>Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 47500, Thailand<br><span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">2</span>Center of Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand<br><span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">3</span>Center of Excellence for Environmental Health and Toxicology, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand<br><span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">4</span>School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br><span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">5</span>School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia<br><span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">6</span>School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA<br><span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">7</span>Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand<br><span style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; top: -5px;">8</span>Department for Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand</span></p><p style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Received 26 November 2014; Revised 3 February 2015; Accepted 4 February 2015</span></p><p style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Academic Editor: Man H. Rhee </span></p><div class="xml-content" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Copyright © 2015 Teerapon Dhippayom et al. This is an open access article distributed under the <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Creative Commons Attribution License</a>, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.</span></p></div><div class="xml-content" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><h4 class="header" style="border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 24px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Abstract</span></h4><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Objective. To determine the clinical effects of Thai herbal compress. Methods. International and Thai databases were searched from inception through September 2014. Comparative clinical studies investigating herbal compress for any indications were included. Outcomes of interest included level of pain, difficulties in performing activities, and time from delivery to milk secretion. Mean changes of the outcomes from baseline were compared between herbal compress and comparators by calculating mean difference. Results. A total of 13 studies which involved 778 patients were selected from 369 articles identified. The overall effects of Thai herbal compress on reducing osteoarthritis (OA) and muscle pain were not different from those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, knee exercise, and hot compress. However, the reduction of OA pain in the herbal compress group tended to be higher than that of any comparators (weighted mean difference 0.419; 95% CI −0.004, 0.842) with moderate heterogeneity (<svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.04979992pt" id="M1" height="12.1279pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -12.0781 11.054 12.1279" width="11.054pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><path id="g113-74" d="M405 650H141L135 622C222 616 230 610 215 535L133 116C118 41 113 33 29 28L23 0H289L295 28C209 33 205 40 219 116L298 535C312 609 317 616 399 622L405 650Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,5.802,-5.984)"><path id="g50-51" d="M414 144C384 79 371 75 317 75H135L276 221C367 316 408 376 408 465C408 570 327 635 237 635C179 635 131 609 100 575L42 494L67 471C94 510 138 565 205 565C277 565 321 517 321 435C321 348 258 270 195 195C146 137 88 81 33 26V0H411C423 44 433 88 446 135L414 144Z"></path></g></svg> = 58.3%, <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.2129908pt" id="M2" height="9.21094pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.99795 53.2534 9.21094" width="53.2534pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><path id="g113-81" d="M600 480C600 590 528 650 384 650H143L137 622C222 614 225 607 210 531L130 127C113 41 106 36 23 28L17 0H294L300 28C204 36 195 42 212 127L243 284L314 263C327 263 339 263 352 264C465 271 600 337 600 480ZM508 481C508 351 402 304 329 304C289 304 265 311 250 317L295 559C302 594 310 606 323 611C335 616 350 619 367 619C455 619 508 573 508 481Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,12.15,0)"><path id="g117-34" d="M535 323V373H52V323H535ZM535 138V188H52V138H535Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,23.887,0)"><path id="g113-49" d="M241 635C89 635 35 457 35 312C35 153 89 -12 240 -12C390 -12 443 166 443 312C443 466 390 635 241 635ZM238 602C329 602 354 454 354 312C354 172 330 22 240 22C152 22 124 173 124 313S148 602 238 602Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,30.39,0)"><path id="g113-47" d="M113 -12C146 -12 170 11 170 46C170 78 146 103 114 103S58 78 58 46C58 11 82 -12 113 -12Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,33.48,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,39.983,0)"><path id="g113-53" d="M456 178V225H360V632H320C217 496 115 347 20 206V178H280V106C280 40 276 34 189 27V0H445V27C364 34 360 39 360 106V178H456ZM280 225H82C149 335 214 431 278 520H280V225Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,46.486,0)"><path id="g113-57" d="M249 635C141 635 70 555 70 471C70 401 114 353 179 316C143 294 106 267 90 252C68 231 45 202 45 157C45 50 130 -12 237 -12C322 -12 435 52 435 169C435 256 372 304 303 343C349 374 375 398 383 407C401 429 411 458 411 487C411 569 344 635 249 635ZM238 603C285 603 337 567 337 482C337 422 310 385 276 358C205 393 145 426 145 500C145 552 179 603 238 603ZM248 20C183 20 125 70 125 163C125 218 158 268 206 300C284 261 355 217 355 143C355 66 308 20 248 20Z"></path></g></svg>). When compared with usual care, herbal compress provided significantly less time from delivery to milk secretion in postpartum mothers (mean difference −394.425 minutes; 95% CI −620.084, −168.766). Conclusion. Thai herbal compress may be considered as an alternative for osteoarthritis and muscle pain and could also be used as a treatment of choice to induce lactation.</span></p><span class="end-abs" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><h4 id="sec1" style="border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 24px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Introduction</span></h4><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Herbal compresses or “Luk Prakob” in Thai have been used in Thailand for hundreds of years in conjunction with traditional massage or as a stand-alone therapy [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B1" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">1</a>]. It was approved and listed in the National List of Essential Medicines for the relief of muscle sprains and muscular and joint pain [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B2" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">2</a>]. Herbal compress service is now provided for therapeutic and rehabilitative purposes in most public health service facilities in Thailand and is a Thai traditional medicine treatment modality covered by the country’s health security systems. In addition, hot herbal compress is also commonly found in spa industry in Thailand and abroad as a part of the spa and massage services [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B3" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">3</a>]. It is suggested that the composite effects of herbal compress derived from (1) heat conduction to increase regional blood flow to the affected areas, (2) anti-inflammatory effects of herbal ingredients, and (3) relaxation effects of aromatic volatile oil [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B4" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">4</a>]. To achieve these effects, herbal compresses must be steamed for 10–15 minutes before their use to enable heat conduction and to facilitate the release of active substances and volatile oils from herbal ingredients.</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The ingredients of Thai herbal compress vary widely and depend on the availability of herbs in different local areas and the unique formula of individual recipe [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B5" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">5</a>]. Generally, the main herbal ingredients of most herbal compresses include Plai or Cassumunar ginger (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. or Zingiber montanum (J. Koenig) Link ex A. Dietr.), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), and camphor. These herbal components have long been used solely or partly for the treatment of several inflammatory conditions in many traditional medicines including Ayurveda which is almost six thousand years old [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B6" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">6</a>]. Findings from several published literature have also endorsed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Zingiber montanum [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B7" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">7</a>], Curcuma longa [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B8" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">8</a>], and camphor [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B9" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">9</a>].</span></p><p style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thai herbal compress has been selected in 2013 as one of the five champion herbal products that have been widely used and generated income to the country [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B10" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">23</a>]. A number of research studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of herbal compress in a variety of clinical conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA) [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>], myofascial pain [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B12" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">16</a>], labor pain [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>], and insufficient/delayed lactation [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B14" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">20</a>]. However, there is a gap in the literature with no summarization of evidence on the clinical benefits of Thai herbal compress. Although a recent Cochrane systematic review has gathered evidence on topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis, which included Arnica gel, Capsicum extract gel, comfrey extract gel, Chinese herbal patches, Fufang Nanxing Zhitong Gao (FNZG) patches, Shangshi Jietong Gao (SJG) patches, Marhame-Mafasel compress, and stinging nettle leaf, the use of Thai herbal compress was not covered in this review [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B15" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">24</a>]. The objective of this study is therefore to systematically review and determine the clinical effects of Thai herbal compress in all identified indications.</span></p><h4 id="sec2" style="border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 24px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Methods</span></h4><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration framework guidelines [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B16" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">25</a>], and the reporting follows the PRISMA Statement [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B17" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">26</a>].</span></p><h5 id="sec2.1" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2.1. Search Strategies and Study Selection</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The following databases were used to search for original research articles from inception to September 2014: AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of clinical trial, EMBASE, Health Science Journals in Thailand, PubMed, Thai Index Medicus, Thai Library Integrated System, Thai Medical Index, Thai Thesis Database, WHO registry, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.clinicaltrial.gov/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">https://www.clinicaltrial.gov/</a>. Strategic search terms used were Herbal compress<svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.04990005pt" id="M3" height="10.5763pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -10.5264 6.41401 10.5763" width="6.41401pt"><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,0,-5.984)"><path id="g50-43" d="M486 158C486 177 478 202 466 220C413 228 386 236 336 262C386 288 413 297 466 304C478 323 486 347 485 366C470 376 444 381 422 380C389 338 368 319 321 288C323 345 329 372 349 422C339 442 322 461 305 470C289 461 271 442 262 422C281 372 287 345 290 288C243 319 222 338 189 380C167 381 142 376 125 366C125 347 133 322 145 304C198 296 225 288 275 262C225 236 198 227 145 220C133 201 125 177 126 158C141 148 167 143 189 144C222 186 243 205 290 236C288 179 282 152 262 102C272 82 289 63 306 54C322 63 340 82 350 102C330 152 324 179 321 236C368 205 390 186 422 144C444 143 470 148 486 158Z"></path></g></svg> OR Herbal ball OR Herbal dabber OR “Luk PraKob” (a Thai word for herbal compress). References of papers derived for full text review were scanned to identify potential studies not indexed in the above databases.</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Research articles were included if they met the following inclusion criteria: (1) conducted in human; (2) evaluated clinical effects of Thai herbal compress; and (3) had control group. TD scanned all the titles and abstracts to determine whether the studies assessed the effects of herbal compress. Full-text articles of the potential studies were subsequently assessed by TD and CK. When disagreements and uncertainties regarding eligibility occurred, they were resolved by discussions with NC.</span></p><h5 id="sec2.2" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2.2. Data Extraction and Quality Assessment</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Data extraction was undertaken by TD and CK using a data extraction form in accordance with the CONSORT statement for reporting herbal medicinal interventions [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B18" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">27</a>]. The data extracted and reported included study design; number of participants; age of participants; herbal compress ingredients; characteristics of the intervention; and outcome measurement. Outcomes of interest depended on indication of herbal compress. For example, outcome measures for studies on pain reduction were level of pain and difficulties in performing activities. Time to milk secretion or milk ejection score was outcomes of interest for studies that investigated the effects of herbal compress on the induction of lactation. Studies included in this review were assessed for methodological quality by TD and CK using the Cochrane risk of bias tool [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B16" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">25</a>] and Jadad score [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B19" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">28</a>]. The Cochrane risk of bias evaluates bias in intervention studies based on a number of criteria including sequence generation; allocation concealment; blinding; incomplete outcome data; selective reporting; and other sources of bias. Studies in which baseline characteristics were different among study groups or not tested for their differences were considered as high risk for the domain of “other risks of bias.” The overall risk of bias for each study was based on the risk of bias of key domains which, in this review, were “sequence generation” and “other sources of bias”. Each study was classified as having low risk (low risk of bias for all key domains), high risk (high risk of bias for one or more key domains), or unclear risk (unclear risk of bias for one or more key domains). Disagreements between the reviewers were settled through discussion and consensus.</span></p><h5 id="sec2.3" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2.3. Statistical Analysis</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Data from all studies were pooled in a meta-analysis to determine the overall effect size with 95% confidence interval. Studies that employed other procedures/medications in addition to herbal compress in the intervention arm or used different measures were excluded from meta-analyses. Pooled effects were calculated and stratified according to indications of herbal compress and its comparators. In addition to the pooled effects of individual comparators (such as NSAIDs, knee exercise, and hot compress) a collection of all comparators was formulated for each treatment indication and called a “combined comparator.” The combined comparator analyses were undertaken to examine the overall impact of herbal compress for each outcome regardless of comparative treatments. To avoid duplication of studies with more than one comparator arms, only one comparator was selected from each study to be included in a combined comparators analysis. The following are order of preferences used to choose the best comparator for each indication: (a) OA: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), knee exercise, and hot compress [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B20" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">29</a>] and (b) myofascial pain: NSAIDs and hot compress [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B21" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">30</a>].</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mean changes of the outcome variables for each treatment arm were calculated by subtracting the baseline mean with the mean of the postintervention. Pooled standard deviations (<svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-5.588651pt" id="M4" height="14.5866pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.99795 33.2787 14.5866" width="33.2787pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><path id="g113-84" d="M449 634C442 637 425 643 405 650C376 660 341 666 307 666C181 666 98 590 98 485C98 400 170 343 215 310L246 288C307 243 343 204 343 147C343 67 291 18 219 18C104 18 61 124 51 202L23 199C28 124 27 71 27 47C47 22 122 -16 204 -16C324 -16 428 60 428 174C428 256 379 309 307 360L276 382C223 419 179 455 179 516C179 576 221 632 293 632C379 632 410 564 418 487L448 490C446 536 446 592 449 634Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,6.327,3.264)"><path id="g190-113" d="M169 380V459C122 440 66 423 24 416V392C86 384 90 382 90 317V-135C90 -201 81 -207 17 -213V-240H253V-213C176 -207 169 -201 169 -125V6C182 -1 208 -11 238 -12C368 12 487 109 487 260C487 358 421 449 310 449C298 449 279 444 261 433L169 380ZM169 346C196 367 237 389 269 389C341 389 403 329 403 221C403 109 347 37 263 37C228 37 191 53 169 76V346Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,11.382,3.264)"><path id="g190-112" d="M257 449C165 449 37 374 37 209C37 98 119 -12 256 -12C355 -12 473 65 473 226C473 349 381 449 257 449ZM244 416C333 416 380 320 380 204C380 67 329 21 267 21C184 21 130 115 130 241C130 354 184 416 244 416Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,16.304,3.264)"><use xlink:href="#g190-112"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,21.074,3.264)"><path id="g190-109" d="M238 0V26C174 32 166 38 166 104V712C132 700 70 683 18 677V653C81 647 87 645 87 577V104C87 38 78 32 15 26V0H238Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,23.474,3.264)"><path id="g190-102" d="M380 106C343 72 306 56 265 56C195 56 116 112 115 248C235 252 361 262 377 265C396 269 400 277 400 297C400 374 333 449 250 449H249C198 449 144 421 103 376S37 269 37 201C37 88 109 -12 232 -12C263 -12 332 6 395 84L380 106ZM225 412C281 412 315 364 314 312C314 297 308 292 290 292C232 290 176 289 120 289C135 370 180 412 225 412Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,27.552,3.264)"><path id="g190-101" d="M517 51L485 54C448 58 441 63 441 115V712C404 700 337 684 285 678V653C357 648 362 645 362 580V437C339 446 309 449 295 449C159 449 38 340 38 201C38 61 143 -12 223 -12C234 -12 261 -6 301 17L362 53V-12C420 9 495 22 517 26V51ZM362 85C338 67 301 51 266 51C201 51 128 109 128 228C128 373 212 411 259 411C296 411 338 395 362 360V85Z"></path></g></svg>) of the mean changes were used [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B22" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">31</a>]. Then mean changes of the outcome variables were compared between intervention and comparator arms by calculating the overall mean differences, which could be (1) standardized mean difference (SMD) for outcomes that were measured by different scales across studies or (2) weighted mean difference (WMD) for outcomes that were measured on the same scale. For pain reduction indication, the overall mean difference of outcome above 0 indicated that herbal compress was more effective in reducing pain or alleviating difficulties in performing activities compared to comparators. For the use of herbal compress to promote milk secretion, an overall mean difference value lower than 0 suggested that the duration from delivery to lactation in herbal compress arm was lower than that in the comparator arm which signify its beneficial effects.</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Statistical heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the chi-squared test and <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.04979992pt" id="M5" height="12.1279pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -12.0781 11.054 12.1279" width="11.054pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-74"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,5.802,-5.984)"><use xlink:href="#g50-51"></use></g></svg>. Thresholds of <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.04979992pt" id="M6" height="12.1279pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -12.0781 11.054 12.1279" width="11.054pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-74"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,5.802,-5.984)"><use xlink:href="#g50-51"></use></g></svg> were interpreted in accordance with the magnitude and direction of effects and strength of evidence of heterogeneity (e.g., <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.04981995pt" id="M7" height="9.04777pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.99795 8.4902 9.04777" width="8.4902pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-81"></use></g></svg> value) as follows: might not be important (0%–40%); moderate heterogeneity (30%–60%); substantial heterogeneity (50%–90%); and considerable heterogeneity (75%–100%) [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B16" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">25</a>]. The Dersimonian and Laird random-effects model [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B23" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">32</a>] was employed for all analyses. Meta-analyses were conducted using STATA version 10 (STATA Corp., College Station, TX, USA).</span></p><h4 id="sec3" style="border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 24px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Results</span></h4><h5 id="sec3.1" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3.1. Study Selection</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Of the 363 articles extracted from the various databases searched and 3 articles identified through other sources, 277 articles were eligible for screening after duplication removal. Based on title and abstract screened, 27 articles were selected for full text review. A total of 14 papers were excluded after full text review as 10 studies did not use Thai herbal compress recipe, 2 studies were thesis/report which were also published in peer-reviewed journals, and the remaining 2 studies were not clinical studies and did not study the effect of herbal compress. Eventually, 13 studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>], which involved a total of 778 patients, met the inclusion criteria for this review (Figure <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/fig1/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">1</a>).</span></p><div class="fig" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-style: inherit; margin: 6px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline-block; width: 500px; box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="figgroupcaption" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; float: left;"><a target="_blank" class="thumbnail" href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/fig1/" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: block; line-height: 0px; width: 100px; position: relative; z-index: 1;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; display: block; width: 100px; height: auto;"><object type="image/svg+xml" name="942378.fig.001" data="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/floats/942378/thumbnails/942378.fig.001_th.svgz" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 3px; position: relative; z-index: -1; width: 94px; max-width: 94px;"></object></span></a></div><div class="groupcaption" style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 12px 12px 126px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;">Figure 1: Flow diagram of selected articles.</div></div><h5 id="sec3.2" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 18px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3.2. Study Characteristics</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The indications of herbal compress used in these studies were pain reduction [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>] and induction of lactation [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B14" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">20</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>]. For studies that investigated the effects of Thai herbal compress on pain reduction, five studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>] were conducted in patients with knee OA, two studies each were conducted in patients with muscle pain [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B12" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">16</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>] and labor pain [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B25" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">13</a>], and one study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>] was undertaken in patients with knee OA and patients with muscle pain (Table <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/tab1/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">1</a>). The majority of the included studies, 11 out of 13, used a quasi-experiment approach [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>]. The remaining studies were randomized controlled trial [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>] and crossover trial [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B12" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">16</a>]. All 13 studies were conducted in Thailand.</span></p><div class="fig" id="tab1" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-style: inherit; margin: 6px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline-block; width: 500px; box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="figgroupcaption" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; float: left;"><a target="_blank" class="thumbnail" href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/tab1/" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: block; line-height: 0px; width: 100px; position: relative; z-index: 1;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; display: block; width: 100px; height: auto;"><object type="image/svg+xml" data="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/floats/942378/thumbnails/942378.tab1_th.svgz" name="tab1" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 3px; position: relative; z-index: -1; width: 94px; max-width: 94px;"></object></span></a></div><div class="groupcaption" style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 12px 12px 126px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;">Table 1: Characteristics of the included studies. </div></div><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The ingredients of Thai herbal compress were reported in 9 studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B25" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">13</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>]. Although a variation in the proportion of herbal ingredients was observed, the main components of herbal compress in these nine studies appeared similar and included Zingiber montanum,Curcuma longa, and camphor. The duration for steaming the herbal compress before application ranged from 10 to 20 minutes. The intervention group in 10 studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B25" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">13</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B31" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">21</a>] received herbal compress as stand-alone therapy. Other studies used herbal compress in conjunction with massage [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>] or massage and NSAIDs [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>].</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Comparators that were most used among studies in patients with knee OA and muscle pain were hot compress (4 studies) [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B12" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">16</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>], followed by NSAIDs (3 studies) [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>]. Knee exercise was used in two studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>] and oil massage and modern medicine was used in one study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>]. Usual labor care was used as a comparator in both studies in postpartum mothers with labor pain [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B25" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">13</a>]. For studies on the induction of lactations, two studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B14" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">20</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B31" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">21</a>] used routine milk production program which included baby holding and breast feeding promotion every 2-3 hours as a comparator, while breast massage followed by hot compress was used in one study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>].</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All three studies investigating the effects of herbal compress on improving lactation assessed the outcome after a single course treatment [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B14" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">20</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>]. For those using herbal compress for pain reduction, three studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B25" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">13</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B12" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">16</a>] assessed clinical outcomes after a single course therapy. The remaining studies measured the effects of herbal compress after a number of treatment sessions which ranged from 3 [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>] to 14 sessions [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>], with the duration spanning from 5 days [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>] to 4 weeks [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>]. Seven studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B12" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">16</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>] stated that herbal compresses were applied by trained/experiences health personnel or traditional medicine practitioners. Of note is that the investigators were the ones who apply herbal compress to their participants in three studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B25" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">13</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B14" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">20</a>]. The remaining studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B31" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">21</a>] did not clearly state the characteristics of practitioners who treated intervention groups with herbal compress.</span></p><h5 id="sec3.3" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3.3. Quality of Included Studies</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The majority of included studies, 10 out of 13 [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>], were prone to risk of bias as they used quasi-experimental designs that failed to randomize participants to receive herbal compress intervention (Table <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/tab2/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">2</a>). For those that conducted sequence generation [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B25" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">13</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B12" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">16</a>], only one study reported allocation concealment [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>]. Considering the nature of this intervention, it was not feasible to undertake a blinding method in all studies. Bias in incomplete outcome data was observed in one study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>] and another study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>] showed bias in selective outcome reporting. Eleven studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B25" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">13</a>–<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>] reported difference in baseline characteristics among study groups or were not tested for their differences and therefore were considered as having high risk for the domain of “other sources of bias.” The overall risk of bias within the studies, based on the risk of bias of key domains, yielded only one study with a low risk of bias [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>], which was consistently confirmed by its high Jadad score.</span></p><div class="fig" id="tab2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-style: inherit; margin: 6px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline-block; width: 500px; box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="figgroupcaption" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; float: left;"><a target="_blank" class="thumbnail" href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/tab2/" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: block; line-height: 0px; width: 100px; position: relative; z-index: 1;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; display: block; width: 100px; height: auto;"><object type="image/svg+xml" data="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/floats/942378/thumbnails/942378.tab2_th.svgz" name="tab2" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 3px; position: relative; z-index: -1; width: 94px; max-width: 94px;"></object></span></a></div><div class="groupcaption" style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 12px 12px 126px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;">Table 2: Methodological quality assessment of the included studies.</div></div><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Information extracted from the included studies was generally complied with the requirement in the CONSORT statement for reporting herbal medicinal interventions [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B18" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">27</a>], except information related to herbal ingredients. It was found that only one study reported the Latin binomial of ingredient herbs [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>]. Method of authentication of raw material was also reported in one study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>], and no studies had undertaken quality testing of herbal ingredients used in herbal compress.</span></p><h5 id="sec3.4" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3.4. Clinical Effects of Herbal Compress in Patients with Knee OA</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Of the studies that investigated the use of herbal compress in patients with knee OA, all six studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>] measured the level of pain using visual analogue scale (VAS). Five [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>] of these studies also evaluated difficulty in performing selected activities (Table <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/tab3/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">3</a>). Elderly patients aged over 60 years were specified as the subjects of investigation in two studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>]. The mean age of subjects in the remaining studies was lower than 60 years in two studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>] and over than 60 years in one study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>], and one study reported the age of subjects ranging from 40 to 79 years old.</span></p><div class="fig" id="tab3" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-style: inherit; margin: 6px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline-block; width: 500px; box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="figgroupcaption" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; float: left;"><a target="_blank" class="thumbnail" href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/tab3/" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: block; line-height: 0px; width: 100px; position: relative; z-index: 1;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; display: block; width: 100px; height: auto;"><object type="image/svg+xml" data="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/floats/942378/thumbnails/942378.tab3_th.svgz" name="tab3" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 3px; position: relative; z-index: -1; width: 94px; max-width: 94px;"></object></span></a></div><div class="groupcaption" style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 12px 12px 126px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;">Table 3: Outcomes of the included studies. </div></div><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Variations in measuring level of pain and reporting scale were observed among these studies. Most studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>] requested patients to record their current pain level when performing certain activities, whilst one study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>] asked patients to rate their pain over the past two days. The number of activities that patients were asked to assess their pain also varied widely from unspecified [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>] to 15 activities [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>]. Average VAS of pain with the scale range from 0 to 10 was reported in four studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>], whereas the other two studies reported total pain with the scale range of 0–130 [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>] and 0–500 [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>]. Overall, the average baseline OA pain of subjects in two studies was lower than 50% of the maximum VAS score [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B27" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">15</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>], between 50% and 59.9% in three studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>], and 60% in one study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>].</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Two studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>] used other treatments in conjunction with herbal compress in the intervention group and thus were not included in a meta-analysis. The overall effect sizes of herbal compress to reduce OA pain were not different when compared with NSAIDs, knee exercise, and hot compress, that is, with SMD of 0.35 (95% CI −0.09, 0.79), WMD of 0.67 (95% CI −0.84, 2.16), and SMD of 0.25 (95% CI −0.16, 0.67), respectively (Table <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/tab4/" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">4</a>). However, the reduction of OA pain from baseline in herbal compress group tended to be higher than combined comparators regardless of treatment options used (standardized mean difference 0.419; 95% CI −0.004, 0.842) with moderate heterogeneity across studies (<svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.4848995pt" id="M18" height="12.563pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -12.0781 59.5705 12.563" width="59.5705pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-74"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,5.802,-5.984)"><use xlink:href="#g50-51"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,14.721,0)"><use xlink:href="#g117-34"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,26.459,0)"><path id="g113-54" d="M153 550H386L412 615L406 623H120L82 318C104 327 142 338 184 338C294 338 347 275 347 187C347 112 305 39 221 39C160 39 119 71 97 89C88 97 80 96 71 90C59 80 50 67 49 57C48 45 52 36 66 23C80 9 123 -12 169 -12C221 -11 288 15 342 59C403 109 431 165 431 225C431 308 366 395 238 395C212 395 165 379 127 364L153 550Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,32.962,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-57"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,39.465,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,42.554,0)"><path id="g113-52" d="M285 378C315 398 338 416 353 432C373 451 384 474 384 503C384 579 325 635 236 635H235C182 635 136 610 108 579L65 516L85 496C110 533 150 575 205 575C258 575 300 543 300 481C300 407 232 369 141 339L147 310C163 315 188 321 211 321C268 321 338 284 338 192C338 94 288 40 217 40C160 40 119 68 93 91C85 98 77 97 69 91C60 84 47 71 46 58C44 46 48 35 62 22C75 10 116 -12 162 -12C234 -12 424 62 424 224C424 297 373 359 285 376V378Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,49.058,0)"><path id="g121-35" d="M594 629L561 652L159 -9L190 -32L594 629ZM194 635C92 635 49 534 49 453C49 374 92 272 193 272C295 272 338 374 338 454S295 635 194 635ZM193 605C257 605 265 504 265 453C265 405 257 302 194 302C133 302 122 403 122 454S133 605 193 605ZM567 351C465 351 421 250 421 169C421 90 465 -12 566 -12S710 90 710 170S667 351 567 351ZM566 322C628 322 637 221 637 169C637 121 628 18 567 18S494 119 494 170C494 223 506 322 566 322Z"></path></g></svg>, <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.2129908pt" id="M19" height="9.21094pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.99795 53.2534 9.21094" width="53.2534pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-81"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,12.15,0)"><use xlink:href="#g117-34"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,23.887,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,30.39,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,33.48,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,39.983,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-53"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,46.486,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-57"></use></g></svg>).</span></p><div class="fig" id="tab4" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-style: inherit; margin: 6px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline-block; width: 500px; box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="figgroupcaption" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; float: left;"><a target="_blank" class="thumbnail" href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/tab4/" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: block; line-height: 0px; width: 100px; position: relative; z-index: 1;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; display: block; width: 100px; height: auto;"><object type="image/svg+xml" data="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/floats/942378/thumbnails/942378.tab4_th.svgz" name="tab4" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 3px; position: relative; z-index: -1; width: 94px; max-width: 94px;"></object></span></a></div><div class="groupcaption" style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 12px 12px 126px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;">Table 4: The overall effects of herbal compress.</div></div><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For those that evaluated difficulties in performing activities in patients with knee OA, four studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B26" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">14</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B29" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">18</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B30" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">19</a>] used VAS measure and one study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>] used Lequesne’s functional index as a measuring tool. No significant differences were identified for the effect of herbal compress in improving difficulty in performing activities when compared with knee exercise (WMD, −0.001; 95% CI −0.842, 0.840), hot compress (SMD, 0.22; 95% CI −0.43, 0.87), and combined comparators (SMD, 0.22; 95% CI −0.13, 0.58).</span></p><h5 id="sec3.5" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3.5. Clinical Effects of Herbal Compress in Patients with Muscle Pain</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The VAS of pain level with the same rating scale, 0 to 10, was used in all studies on muscle pain [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B12" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">16</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>]. The average baseline pain (mean ± SD) varied among these studies from <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.3625803pt" id="M31" height="9.06134pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.69876 46.4494 9.06134" width="46.4494pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-52"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,6.503,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,9.592,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-53"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,19.124,0)"><path id="g117-37" d="M535 290V340H323V533H265V340H52V290H265V84H323V290H535ZM535 -22V28H52V-22H535Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,30.105,0)"><path id="g113-51" d="M412 140C382 77 369 73 315 73H129L270 222C362 320 402 379 402 466C402 571 322 635 234 635C177 635 130 609 99 576L42 495L64 475C90 514 133 568 201 568C274 568 318 519 318 435C318 349 255 267 193 193C144 135 87 78 32 23V0H405C417 45 427 89 440 131L412 140Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,36.608,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,39.697,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-53"></use></g></svg> [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B12" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">16</a>] to <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.3625803pt" id="M32" height="9.06134pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.69876 46.4494 9.06134" width="46.4494pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><path id="g113-55" d="M137 343C167 482 260 545 321 574C357 591 397 603 429 609L423 641C382 634 335 622 295 608C189 570 37 457 37 238C37 84 125 -12 242 -12C362 -12 447 89 447 209C447 311 374 393 267 393C247 393 226 386 204 376L137 343ZM227 337C318 337 361 256 361 173C361 105 336 22 258 22C176 22 126 120 126 240C126 266 127 291 132 310C155 323 189 337 227 337Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,6.503,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,9.592,0)"><path id="g113-50" d="M384 0V27C293 34 287 42 287 114V635C232 613 172 594 109 583V559L157 557C201 555 205 550 205 499V114C205 42 199 34 109 27V0H384Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,19.124,0)"><use xlink:href="#g117-37"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,30.104,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,36.607,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,39.696,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-52"></use></g></svg> [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>]. The comparators included NSAIDS [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B11" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">10</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>] and hot compress [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B12" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">16</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B28" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">17</a>]. However, one out of the two studies that compare herbal compress with NSAIDs did not meet the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis since the intervention group received NSAIDs in addition to herbal compress. Hence, the overall effects of herbal compress in improving muscle pain compared with NSAIDs were not available in this review. Results from meta-analysis on other comparators indicated that herbal does not provide beneficial effects over hot compress (0.52; 95% CI −0.84, 1.89) and combined comparators (0.14; 95% CI −0.57, 0.84) in the treatment of muscle pain.</span></p><h5 id="sec3.6" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3.6. Clinical Effects of Herbal Compress in Patients with Labor Pain</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The overall effect of herbal compress on labor pain reduction could not be drawn because the two studies on this indication were not comparable. One study [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>] used herbal compress in conjunction with a Thai traditional massage whereas the other [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B25" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">13</a>] used herbal compress as a stand-alone treatment. However, finding from the individual studies indicated that when compared with usual care, which included medication and exercise, herbal compress significantly reduced labor pain in postpartum mothers who had back pain after labor (the difference of the median of pain [interquartile range] between groups was 0 <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-2.2392pt" id="M33" height="11.9171pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -9.6779 29.6094 11.9171" width="29.6094pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><path id="g113-92" d="M290 -163V-135C183 -126 181 -122 181 -44V583C181 662 184 666 290 675V703H120V-163H290Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,4.674,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,11.177,0)"><path id="g190-178" d="M469 201V252H50V201H469Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,18.249,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-51"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,24.752,0)"><path id="g113-94" d="M226 -163V703H56V676C162 667 165 662 165 584V-43C165 -122 162 -126 56 -136V-163H226Z"></path></g></svg>versus 2 <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-2.2392pt" id="M34" height="11.9171pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -9.6779 29.6094 11.9171" width="29.6094pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-92"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,4.674,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,11.177,0)"><use xlink:href="#g190-178"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,18.249,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-52"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,24.752,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-94"></use></g></svg>; <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.6617603pt" id="M35" height="9.65971pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.99795 53.2534 9.65971" width="53.2534pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-81"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,12.15,0)"><path id="g117-91" d="M512 -3V55L134 254V256L512 456V514L75 281V230L512 -3Z"></path></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,23.887,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,30.39,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,33.48,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,39.983,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,46.486,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"></use></g></svg>) [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>] and primigravida mothers who had labor pain (mean ± SD of pain postintervention during active phase labor was 7.52 ± 0.23 versus 4.50 ± 0.23; <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.2129908pt" id="M36" height="9.21094pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.99795 53.2534 9.21094" width="53.2534pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-81"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,12.15,0)"><use xlink:href="#g117-34"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,23.887,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,30.39,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,33.48,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,39.983,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,46.486,0)"><path id="g113-58" d="M244 635C114 635 38 519 38 422C38 317 111 240 217 240C236 240 255 244 277 256L345 292C311 140 203 39 59 15L64 -15C89 -15 150 -5 204 17C339 72 440 202 440 386C440 521 368 635 244 635ZM228 602C326 602 352 479 352 390C352 370 351 347 348 324C327 308 293 296 258 296C174 296 124 369 124 458C124 517 152 602 228 602Z"></path></g></svg>) [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B25" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">13</a>].</span></p><h5 id="sec3.7" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3.7. Clinical Effects of Herbal Compress in Inducing Lactation</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Two studies evaluated the effects of herbal compress by measuring the duration from delivery to milk secretion in postcesarean mothers [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B14" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">20</a>] and postpartum mothers [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B31" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">21</a>] who had no milk production within 2 hours after delivery. The remaining study investigated herbal compress in mothers who had no milk production within 48 hours postpartum and used milk ejection score [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>], as outcome measure, which was not comparable to the other two studies. Therefore, it was not included in the meta-analysis. The overall effect demonstrates that the application of herbal compress on breast in addition to a routine increasing milk production program has lessened the time from delivery to milk secretion compared with routine increasing milk production program (WMD −394.42 minutes; 95% CI −620.08, −168.77) with no evidence of heterogeneity amongst studies (<svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.4848995pt" id="M37" height="12.563pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -12.0781 53.043 12.563" width="53.043pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-74"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0095,0,0,-0.0095,5.802,-5.984)"><use xlink:href="#g50-51"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,14.721,0)"><use xlink:href="#g117-34"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,26.459,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,32.962,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,36.051,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,42.554,0)"><use xlink:href="#g121-35"></use></g></svg>, <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.2129908pt" id="M38" height="9.21094pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.99795 46.7259 9.21094" width="46.7259pt"><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-81"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,12.15,0)"><use xlink:href="#g117-34"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,23.887,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,30.39,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,33.48,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-52"></use></g><g transform="matrix(.0135,0,0,-0.0135,39.983,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-57"></use></g></svg>).</span></p><h5 id="sec3.8" style="border: 0px none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3.8. Adverse Effects of Herbal Compress</span></h5><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Safety outcomes were reported in only three studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B24" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">11</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B13" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">12</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B32" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">22</a>] and all showed no adverse events associated with herbal compress.</span></p><h4 id="sec4" style="border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 24px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. Discussion</span></h4><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This systematic review and meta-analysis provided a comprehensive synopsis of the effects of herbal compress in various indications. Despite a lack of statistical significance, current evidence demonstrates a strong trend of better clinical benefits of Thai herbal compress compared with conventional therapies, such as NSAIDs, knee exercise, and hot compress in alleviating pain and improving difficulty to perform activities in patients with knee OA and muscle pain. However, Thai herbal compress was shown to be more effective than routine program in inducing milk production among postpartum mothers.</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There are a number of similarities and differences of this systematic review and the previous Cochrane review. First, both reviews found limited number of studies to be included. Pooling results could not be determined in the Cochrane review [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B15" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">24</a>] as the included seven studies comprised of seven different medicinal plants which were not comparable. The present review, on the other hand, has gathered evidences that focus on Thai herbal compress as the main intervention which were comparable as they reported similar outcomes for each indication used. In addition, at least two included studies used the same treatment/management as a comparator. These permitted a conduct of meta-analysis, which served as one of the strengths of this systematic review. However, a limitation of this systematic review lies within the diversity of methodological approaches observed across studies. They included the recipe of herbal compress, the procedure of intervention, and the number of sessions and duration of intervention. Moreover, quality of the majority of studies was relatively low as they were quasi-experimental studies which did not employ a randomization approach. In addition, due to the nature of intervention in applying herbal compress, it is not possible to undertake blinding method. Taking into account the relatively low quality of included studies, caution should be made when interpreting results derived from these studies.</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Results from a recent systematic review [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B33" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">33</a>] showed that heat and cryotherapy were recommended as nonpharmacological management of osteoarthritis in 10 out of 17 clinical practice guidelines. This suggested that heat from herbal compress may contribute to the clinical efficacy on the treatment of osteoarthritis. The effects of herbal compress in alleviating symptoms of knee osteoarthritis may also be associated with the main herbal ingredients which have been reported in several studies. For instance, results from a noninferiority trial in 367 patients showed that the extract of turmeric (Curcuma domestica or C. longa) 1,500 mg/day was as effective as ibuprofen 1,200 mg/day after a 4-week treatment of knee osteoarthritis [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B34" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">34</a>]. Of note is that the effect found in this study was a result of orally administered curcumin, which is the main biologically active compound of turmeric, not a crude preparation as used in herbal compress. It is uncertain whether a topical application of turmeric herb would deliver clinical beneficial effects on knee osteoarthritis like oral curcumin extract due to the low solubility of natural curcumin that affect the absorption of this compound [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B35" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">35</a>].Zingiber montanum is another potential ingredient in herbal compress that may play an important part in improving osteoarthritis symptoms. Results from a study on the combination of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and plai (Zingiber montanum) gel showed that this product was comparable to 1% diclofenac gel in relieving joint pain, improving problematic symptoms and quality of life in patient with osteoarthritis knees following a 6-week treatment [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B36" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">36</a>]. This was consistent with the pooled effect presented in this review demonstrating that the reduction of pain in osteoarthritis patients treated with herbal compress was not significantly different from those receiving oral NSAIDs. However, anti-inflammatory effect of herbal compress used in the included studies could not be justified as it requires additional information on the measurement of anti-inflammatory related molecular/serum markers. A tendency of herbal compress to exhibit more pain reduction in patients with osteoarthritis compared with any other treatments/managements showed in this review warrant a conduct of further well design studies on a larger scale to confirm a clinical efficacy of this treatment.</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Similar to the effects on osteoarthritis, heat was shown to be effective in treating patients with muscle pain [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B37" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">37</a>]. However, evidence regarding the effects of main active herbal components on reducing muscle and labor pain was limited. Result from a related study on the effect of essential oil extracted from herbal compress active compound showed no additional benefit in reducing muscle pain compared with Thai massage [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B38" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">38</a>]. These may in part explain the reason why the pool effect of herbal compress on muscle pain reduction in this review was not significantly different from hot compress.</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the present review, the pooled effect of herbal compress on labor pain reduction could not be drawn. However, findings from the individual studies indicated that herbal compress significantly reduced labor pain compared with usual care. Heat may be the main mechanism of action of herbal compress in improving labor pain as indicated in other studies [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B39" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">39</a>, <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B40" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">40</a>]. The pooled effect of herbal compress in increasing milk production found in this review was also consistent with findings from a previous study which showed that warming up the breast with a hot compress for 20 minutes significantly increased the amount of breast milk compared with nonwarmed breasts [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B41" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">41</a>].</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It appears that the effects of Thai herbal compress were mainly associated with heat and, in some extents, herb component. Effect of heat from applying herbal compress may explain why Thai herbal compress has exerted clinical benefits in two distinct indications, which were pain reduction and induce lactation. To identify additional effects from herbal component in both indications, a direct comparison between Thai herbal compress and hot compress is strongly advocated. However, it should be noted that the herbal compress recipes used among some of the included studies were slightly different and the quality of herbal compress varied as few were produced using good manufacturing practice (GMP) whilst some others were prepared in community with traditional method. A study on quality of herbal compresses produced in the community of eight provinces in the Northern of Thailand showed that the components of volatile oil in each product were different and contaminated with microbial organisms (7 out of 16, 43.8%) and cadmium (1 out of 16, 6.2%) [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B42" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">42</a>].</span></p><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Although no adverse events associated with herbal compress were reported in this review, it does not preclude the concern of safety issue over the use of this product. This is because there was a lack of attempt to investigate adverse effects of herbal compress among the majority of included studies as 10 out of 13 studies did not indicate that adverse events were systematically measured and reported. Findings from a report of adverse events of herbal compress revealed that 5 out of 600 patients were shown to have adverse reactions associated with herbal compress, that is, rash and urticaria [<a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/942378/#B43" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">43</a>]. Of these five patients, the adverse events reported in three were minimal and self-limited, whilst two patients reported moderate adverse reactions, and one patient required medical treatment. This suggested that the safety profile of Thai herbal compress should not be overlooked. To improve the lack of safety information from clinical studies, further studies on the effects of herbal compress should therefore include safety as one of the outcomes measured.</span></p><h4 id="sec5" style="border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 24px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. Conclusion</span></h4><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Current evidence suggested that Thai herbal compress might be more efficacious than standard/recommended therapy in patients with osteoarthritis and muscle pain. It could be considered as an alternative option for improving symptoms of these conditions especially when adverse effects from other treatments such as NSAIDs are an issue of concern. Thai herbal compress may also be used as a treatment of choice to induce lactation as the evidence suggested that herbal compress was more effective than usual care in promoting milk production in postpartum mothers who had no milk secretion. However, to consider Thai herbal compress to be incorporated into a practice guideline for each indication, we suggest that a consensus of standard recipe and practice need to be established and evaluated by further well-designed RCTs.</span></p><h4 style="border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 24px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Conflict of Interests</span></h4><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Teerapon Dhippayom (TD), Chuenjid Kongkaew (CK), Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk (NC), Piyameth Dilokthornsakul (PD), Rosarin Sruamsiri (RS), and Surasak Saokaew (SS) declare no financial relationships with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years or other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. Anchalee Chuthaputti (AC) is currently a government official under the Department for Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand.</span></p><h4 style="border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 24px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Acknowledgment</span></h4><p style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 12px 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This systematic review received financial support from the Thai Traditional Medical Knowledge Fund.</span></p></div></div><div class="xml-content" style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><h4 style="border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 24px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">References</span></h4><ol style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 44px;"><li id="B1" style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">N. 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Chonlasit, Standard and quality control of Lanna herbal hot compress [M.S. thesis], Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2008.<span class="reflinks" style="border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></span></li><li id="B43" style="text-align: start; border: 0px none; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">P. Nootim, Monitor of Adverse Reactions Associated with the Use of Herbal Compress, The Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, Nonthaburi, Thailand, 2007.</span></li></ol></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-70420677107757963692016-01-23T05:11:00.001-08:002016-01-23T05:11:16.148-08:00Antioxidant properties of Phyllanthus amarusextracts as affected by
different drying methods<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56djyIfj-mlijvjAUk2mgGyFgm7CqNBstw0Qx-cp9QVtVGKXluSFgcT1PySrSmoeRjDU9iz_elQMX3ubN0tNH5cunzPteSp6mclUC3AnSgIDIjUAblDVT8TpSJguA_uDXbXdCsdPGOBM/s640/blogger-image-349473069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56djyIfj-mlijvjAUk2mgGyFgm7CqNBstw0Qx-cp9QVtVGKXluSFgcT1PySrSmoeRjDU9iz_elQMX3ubN0tNH5cunzPteSp6mclUC3AnSgIDIjUAblDVT8TpSJguA_uDXbXdCsdPGOBM/s640/blogger-image-349473069.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of fresh and dried Phyllanthus amarus plant materials were evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteau method, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Different drying treatments led to significant reduction (P<0.05) in antioxidant properties of P. amarus methanolic extracts, with microwave drying causing the highest decrease in TPC and antioxidant activity exhibited by the reduction in both radical scavenging activity and FRAP. On the other hand, boiling water extracts appeared to exhibit significantly stronger antioxidant potentials (P<0.05) even in dried plant materials due to greater solubility of compounds, breakdown of cellular constituents as well as hydrolysis of tannins. Its strong free radical scavenging activity suggests that it has great potential in the food industry as functional food ingredient</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-53712421640875321722016-01-23T04:54:00.001-08:002016-01-23T04:54:34.954-08:00Phyllanthus amarus Schum Thonn<div><span style="color: rgb(45, 45, 45); font-family: Merriweather, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhddXz06daXuAXytXdaEEKOEjq2xaZm-iMt0BRf09aYQjAytGGNkI-z_f3AUEviBLbVwdOxkHqK4ZxyDGmPmOtvjawjAtM8-KRaS0FEHgooSun62Zd7GM3gFaoEpaNwXEzSmkiIncIlE/s640/blogger-image--1537495340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhddXz06daXuAXytXdaEEKOEjq2xaZm-iMt0BRf09aYQjAytGGNkI-z_f3AUEviBLbVwdOxkHqK4ZxyDGmPmOtvjawjAtM8-KRaS0FEHgooSun62Zd7GM3gFaoEpaNwXEzSmkiIncIlE/s640/blogger-image--1537495340.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><span style="color: rgb(45, 45, 45); font-family: Merriweather, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Phyllanthus amarus Schum Thonn</span><div>Sat, 14 Mar 2015 | Medicinal Plants</div><div>(Euphorbiaceae)</div><div>Phyllanthus amarus herbs</div><div>Description:</div><div> Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn is a small herbaceous annual plant that can grow up to 60 </div><div>cm tall. Leaves are simple, alternate, green and stipulate. The blade is 3-8 mm by 2-4.5 mm and </div><div>oblong-elliptic. The fruits are green, depressed globose in shape, 3-lobed and smooth. Both the </div><div>flowers and fruits are borne under the branches/1'21</div><div>Origin:</div><div>Native to Mexico and South America.</div><div>Phytoconstituents: </div><div>Phyllanthusin D, geraniin, corilagin, elaeocarpusin, ama-riin, amariinic acid, amarosterol-A and B, </div><div>phyllantin, hypophyllantin and others.</div><div>Traditional Medicinal Uses:</div><div>The aerial part of the plant is used for various conditions. In Chinese medicine, the plant is made </div><div>into a tea to cure kidney problems, venereal diseases, stones in the kidneys and bladder. The </div><div>Malays use it to increase menstrual flow, reduce fever and cure colic. It is used by the Indians as a </div><div>fish poison. Indians also use the plant as liver tonic to treat liver ailments, ascites, jaundice, </div><div>diarrhoea, dysentery, intermittent fever, conditions of the urogenital tract, eye disease, scabies, </div><div>ulcers and wounds. In Vietnam, it is used to induce sweating, and increase menstrual flow. It is </div><div>also prescribed for toothache, muscle spasms and gonorrhoea. It is considered a diuretic, colic </div><div>remedy and abortifacient in Southeast Asia. It is also commonly used in Benin, Africa, as folk </div><div>medicine against malaria.</div><div>Pharmacological Activities:</div><div>Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antidiarrhoeal, Antifertility, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antineoplastic, </div><div>Antioxidant, Antiplasmodial, Antiviral, Diuretics, Hepatoprotective, Hypoglycaemic, Inhibition of </div><div>gastric lesion, Antimutagenic, Insecticidal and Radioprotective.</div><div>Dosage: </div><div>A decoction may be prepared with 10 plants in 1 L of water.</div><div>Adverse Reactions:</div><div>No known side effects with therapeutic dosages.</div><div>Toxicity:</div><div>Non-toxic to mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight but at doses of 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and </div><div>1000 mg/kg body weight in rats.</div><div>Contraindications: No information as yet.</div><div>Drug-Herb Interactions: An alcoholic extract of P. amarus was found to inhibit cytochrome P450 </div><div>enzymes both in vivo as well as in vitro.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-43833340112994371682016-01-20T11:22:00.001-08:002016-01-20T11:22:47.210-08:0016 Amazing Benefits Of Bael Juice For Skin, Hair And Health<div>What Is Bael Fruit?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9HU_ud78lmA5-LYj-fT1Ij86QTDFILegZn0uYn9e606J3UGpXWfH69veXEjBqNxiDC2dJ5LCLSN30aKaGC09p9hf6aKforaooeZLXjnxtgOWXx7cHiPPcZsuSNfUjrdvijYE0-jHD60/s640/blogger-image--1618545273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9HU_ud78lmA5-LYj-fT1Ij86QTDFILegZn0uYn9e606J3UGpXWfH69veXEjBqNxiDC2dJ5LCLSN30aKaGC09p9hf6aKforaooeZLXjnxtgOWXx7cHiPPcZsuSNfUjrdvijYE0-jHD60/s640/blogger-image--1618545273.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74NmrzYHuRzuYoOz95nLVAgKLnQ7y2KXb4-K8mgG8jhXGkaSbAa0cxW0y10i8OjH0r-pDmSqQfxlXEGvgn4rs4JCfVzHWsvGq1V2g2GBQCSJmgsTfBFjE3ceah5ofCZhTVA24iigE7FA/s640/blogger-image--1762411009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74NmrzYHuRzuYoOz95nLVAgKLnQ7y2KXb4-K8mgG8jhXGkaSbAa0cxW0y10i8OjH0r-pDmSqQfxlXEGvgn4rs4JCfVzHWsvGq1V2g2GBQCSJmgsTfBFjE3ceah5ofCZhTVA24iigE7FA/s640/blogger-image--1762411009.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This fruit, also known as the Wood Apple, is native to India but can also be found in Southeast Asia. It is considered as a sacred tree for Hindu’s due to its medicinal benefits stemming back to 2000BC and its ability to grow in places that other trees cannot.</div><div>Bael Fruit has a hard woody shell that can only be cracked using a machete or hammer. It takes about 11 months to ripen on the tree and can grow to the size of a grapefruit.</div><div>Benefits Of The Bael Fruit</div><div>* <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Gastrointestinal problems: cures problems such as constipation, stomach aches, stomach ulcers or excess acid.</div><div>* <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Antimicrobial properties: the essential oils of the bael fruit are effective against 21 types of bacteria. Researchers have found that extracts of this fruit has anti viral and anti fungal properties.</div><div>* <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Inhibits bacteria adherence to the gut</div><div>* <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Anti-inflammatory properties that help the healing of mouth ulcers and infections in the body.</div><div>* <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Diarrhea and Hemorrhoids</div><div>* <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Controls cholesterol</div><div>* <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Aid with respiratory problems such as asthma by using the oil extracts of this fruit.</div><div><br></div><div>How To Use Bael Fruit</div><div><br></div><div>You can find dried bael in local Asian groceries, in particular Thai and Indian grocers. Health food stores and vitamin shops carry bael fruit essential oils and extracts.</div><div>To make bael fruit tea on the stove, place 2 slices of the dried bael fruit in a pot with 4 cups of water. Boil for 5 mins.</div><div>Alternatively, you can make this tea in the microwave by first placing the dried bael in a small cup with water ¼ filled. Place in microwave for 1 minute on HIGH. Add boiling water to fill the cup.</div><div>The tea has an orangey color and a soft woody taste. You can have this tea hot or iced.</div><div><br></div><div>16 Amazing Benefits Of Bael Juice For Skin, Hair And Health</div><div><br></div><div>Bael, also known as bilwa is a vital tree in Indian culture which is mostly planted around temples. This tree has many medicinal properties. The fruit is hard, woody and smooth with sweet flesh inside that can be consumed fresh or dried. They are also mixed with beverages and desserts with sugar or jaggery. Beal fruit, also known as wood apple, contains protein, beta-carotene, vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin C.</div><div><br></div><div>All parts of the tree are used for medicinal purposes, but bael juice is the most common way to stay fit and health. Let us see the top 16 benefits of bael fruit juice, a wonderful gift of nature:</div><div><br></div><div>Bael Juice Benefits:</div><div><br></div><div>1. Heart diseases:</div><div>Mix the juice of ripe bael fruit with some ghee. Include this mixture in your daily diet to prevent heart related diseases like heart strokes and attacks. This can reduce blood glucose levels by nearly 54%.</div><div><br></div><div>2. Gastro protection properties:</div><div>This magical juice can cure gastric ulcers that are caused due to the imbalance of mucosa levels or oxidative stress in gastric tract. The phenolic compounds present in this juice are filled with antioxidants to reduce gastric ulcers.</div><div><br></div><div>3. Cholesterol control:</div><div>Bael juice helps in cholesterol control and also reduces blood cholesterol levels. Bael juice controls triglycerides, serum and tissue lipid profiles.</div><div><br></div><div>4. Antimicrobial properties:</div><div>Bael juice has antimicrobial properties. The extracted juice is used to control fungal and viral infections. They have antimicrobial properties since the juice contains cuminaldehyde and eugenol in it.</div><div><br></div><div>5. Anti-inflammatory properties:</div><div>Bael juice contains anti-inflammatory properties that are used to reduce histamine induced contractions. This also gives positive results to relax and sooth inflamed organs.</div><div><br></div><div>6. Constipation:</div><div>Bael fruit juice is best consumed remedy to reduce constipation and stomach pain. This contains laxative properties to clean and tone the intestines. Drinking this regularly for 2-3 months will reduce sub-chronic constipation. You can mix this with sugar and drink twice a day to ease stomach pain for kids. Add some black pepper and salt to the juice to remove toxins from the intestines.</div><div><br></div><div>7. Dysentery and diarrhoea:</div><div>In ayurveda, this is said to cure diarrhoea and dysentery without fever. You can also mix it with jaggery or sugar.</div><div><br></div><div>8. Cooler:</div><div>Drink bael fruit juice with honey to cure acidity. You can also apply this on your tongue to cure mouth ulcers. Drink bael juice before lunch or dinner to reduce heat and thirst from body. This can be the best drink during the scorching summers!</div><div><br></div><div>9. Skin rash:</div><div>Mix 30ml of bay leaf juice, cumin with bael juice and drink it twice a day to cure urticaria. This can also be beneficial for skin rash and its symptoms like pale red, raised, itchy bumps.</div><div><br></div><div>10. Breast milk:</div><div>Wood apple juice can be consumed with dry ginger powder and jaggery by the infant mothers. This helps to produce more milk for the infants.</div><div><br></div><div>11. Cancer:</div><div>Consume this juice regularly to prevent or cure breast cancer.</div><div><br></div><div>12. Blood purifier:</div><div>Mix 50 gms pulp juice with some warm water and sufficient honey. This drink will help you to purify your blood.</div><div><br></div><div>13. Haemorrhoids:</div><div>Tannin in the bael fruit juice is useful to cure diarrhoea, cholera, haemorrhoids and vitiligo. This is also helpful in the anaemia, ear and eye disorders treatment. In ayurveda, the juice is mixed with turmeric and ghee and spread on fractured bones to treat fracture.</div><div><br></div><div>14. Scurvy:</div><div>Scurvy is a disease that occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin c. This has harmful effects on the blood vessels. Bael juice is a good source of vitamins and cures this disease.</div><div><br></div><div>15. Respiratory problems:</div><div>The juice of bael fruit can cure respiratory problems such as asthma or cold. This also gives resistance to cold.</div><div><br></div><div>16. Control diabetes:</div><div>Bael juice contains laxatives that are helpful to control the blood sugar levels. It stimulates the pancreas and helps them in enough production of insulin that controls sugar level in the blood.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-31490719858797472152016-01-19T15:31:00.001-08:002016-01-19T15:31:23.696-08:00Jiaogulan Tea, The Herb of Immortality.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75sjNFym8jqiX9tCKGrNNHOxRK6C8Ys-YDKyamgV5Iv8wobnV6x1VDJE4beLlFXgoccdMRWj4aTGQoYsRkoDkldBRSsNM-nRN05Ihu-Jgi6_6ZWd4StGXfJoi8J_0m8-UWu_WgLka8VI/s640/blogger-image-1785417773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75sjNFym8jqiX9tCKGrNNHOxRK6C8Ys-YDKyamgV5Iv8wobnV6x1VDJE4beLlFXgoccdMRWj4aTGQoYsRkoDkldBRSsNM-nRN05Ihu-Jgi6_6ZWd4StGXfJoi8J_0m8-UWu_WgLka8VI/s640/blogger-image-1785417773.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRztPwkVP1BcrwfEMAELoERy1SMkO7i_e2b_EpLNzfJo3M7c4S_5k-g4uNrK8JG4vnICeN039oGFItUPRAjp5zemyH1eapr9dbNk6DCElsPExck-T11up18-_KKumHk6EAfkF-EPizZao/s640/blogger-image-739345384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRztPwkVP1BcrwfEMAELoERy1SMkO7i_e2b_EpLNzfJo3M7c4S_5k-g4uNrK8JG4vnICeN039oGFItUPRAjp5zemyH1eapr9dbNk6DCElsPExck-T11up18-_KKumHk6EAfkF-EPizZao/s640/blogger-image-739345384.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1S2XaLMfBzdIna2Wmtoaf4xZma9MEgzKnMksZ365xQng-xRM9PbYDjfiz5pCHdCiwKBmbZHuywy8cvSXCG69bIniOdjE6FQI-ke5gsDGeXn1WKICy-9SCH_mVbLfwoWOMpwSNVcjTY0/s640/blogger-image-733150831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1S2XaLMfBzdIna2Wmtoaf4xZma9MEgzKnMksZ365xQng-xRM9PbYDjfiz5pCHdCiwKBmbZHuywy8cvSXCG69bIniOdjE6FQI-ke5gsDGeXn1WKICy-9SCH_mVbLfwoWOMpwSNVcjTY0/s640/blogger-image-733150831.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It regulates blood fat, lowers cholesterol level, helps to build immunity, delays the aging process, prevents cells from turning cancerous and prevents arteriosclerosis.</div><div>Scientific research studies in China have shown that Jiaogulan (Jiao Gu Lan) decreases cholesterol by improving the liver's ability to send sugar and carbohydrates to the muscles for conversion to energy instead of turning the sugar into triglycerides which the body stores as fat.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It lowers LDL's (bad cholesterol) while raising HDL's (good cholesterol). It improves fat metabolism, reduces blood fat levels and depresses lipid peroxide and fat sediment in the blood vessels. </div><div>While it is great for rectifying high cholesterol and obesity problems, it can also improve and strengthen the digestion, allowing an underweight person to increase absorption of nutrients and gain weight in the form of lean muscle mass.This regulatory effect on bodily functions is the hallmark of an adaptogen.
This is all-natural healthy, herbal, product from the plant Jiaogulan.
Jiaogulan prevents cells from turning cancerous and also inhibits the growth of tumors already formed by stimulating the body's immune system cells. Cancer patients given Jiaogulan show marked improvement in white blood cell count antibody levels, and raised T and B lymphocyte levels. </div><div>Jiaogulan is one of the best broad-spectrum adaptogenic herbs known, containing polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, flavones, saponins and many essential trace elements. Very safe for long-term use. Highly effective in reducing the side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy by boosting the immune system. </div><div><br></div><div>Athletes use Jiaogulan to enhance their performance because it enhances the heart pumping function, improving contraction of the heart muscle. The most pronounced benefits are increased endurance during strong physical activity, and more rapid recovery afterwards.</div><div><br></div><div>Jiaogulan contains 84 beneficial saponins - three times more than ginseng, yet it has no side-effects. Due to its significantly higher quantity of beneficial saponins, it has been widely studied and used worldwide, including for patients recovering from exposure to ultraviolet, beta and gamma-rays. It also dramatically reduces cholesterol levels, normalizes blood pressure, protects the heart, and increases fat metabolism.</div><div><br></div><div>Over 300 scientific research findings back up nearly every claim for Jiaogulan (also known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum). Jiaogulan is a superb immune-enhancer and antioxidant for all ages.</div><div><br></div><div>Cancer Protection - Jiaogulan prevents cells from turning cancerous and also inhibits the growth of tumors already formed by stimulating the body's immune system cells. Cancer patients given Jiaogulan show marked improvement in white blood cell count antibody levels, and raised T and B lymphocyte levels. It has been shown that Jiaogulan has activity against esophagal, lung, breast, uterus, prostate, brain, kidney, thymus and skin cancer.</div><div><br></div><div>Reduce the Risk of Strokes and Heart Attacks - Jiaogulan dramatically decreases the chances of a stroke by inhibiting blood platelets from "sticking together," which prevents a stroke-inducing blood clot from forming. This same action prevents artery clogging, reducing risk of a heart attack.</div><div><br></div><div>Build Your Immune System - In China, doctors prescribe daily doses of Jiaogulan for patients recovering from heart and brain surgery, because the herb supports the immune system, aiding in a quicker and more effective recovery. Patients undergoing cancer therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy receive Jiaogulan as well. Research has shown that Jiaogulan can increase the white blood cell count, which strengthens resistance, thus improving the patients' ability to recover. </div><div><br></div><div>Stay Younger Longer. Biochemist Subbuti Dharmenanda says that signs of aging are avoidable if you can tame the free radicals that cause them. "If free radicals aren't shut down, they cause everything from cataracts to cancer.” But studies show that taking just 40 mg of Penta daily triples production of superoxide dismutase, a chemical that neutralizes free radicals by 21%.</div><div><br></div><div>Bronchitis. Penta (Jiaogulan) tea has been traditionally used as a remedy for bronchitis. In one study, the effectiveness rate of using Penta tea to treat chronic bronchitis was 93%.</div><div><br></div><div>Stress Reduction. Penta has a bi-phasic action on the central nervous system, calming the nerves when irritated and exciting them when depressed. This is why Penta is known as an adaptogen. The increased balance affects other systems of the body, normalizing the balance between other organs' functions, thereby bolstering stability of the body as a whole. This results in better brain function, increased endurance, and resistance to illness and injury.</div><div><br></div><div>Antioxidant Properties of Penta. Antioxidants are an important factor in treating cancer, liver disease, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, arthritis inflammation and even the aging process. Penta (Jiaogulan) has been proven in many studies to have a powerful antioxidant effect, by protecting the body from free radical damage.</div><div><br></div><div>Reducing Blood Pressure, Preventing Strokes and Heart Attacks. Penta dramatically decreases the chances of a stroke by inhibiting blood platelets from "sticking together," which prevents the formation of stroke-inducing blood clots. This same action prevents artery clogging, thereby reducing risk of a heart attack. Also, studies show that in as little as two weeks, a small dose of Penta taken daily, lowers high blood pressure to a normal range. By increasing production of nitric oxide - a chemical that relaxes blood vessel walls - the herb effectively reduces the blood pressure. In addition, Penta reduces cholesterol by about 25%.</div><div>Building Up the Immune System. In China, doctors prescribe daily doses of Jiaogulan (Penta) for patients recovering from heart and brain surgery. Why? Because the herb supports the immune system, aiding in a quicker and more effective recovery. Patients undergoing cancer therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy receive Penta as well. Research has shown that Penta can increase the white blood cell count, which strengthens resistance, thus improving the patients' ability to recover. </div><div><br></div><div>Improving Cardiovascular Function. Athletes use the herb to enhance their performance, as Penta has been found to enhance the heart pumping function, improving contractility of the heart muscle. Endurance during heightened physical activity and recovery afterwards are the most pronounced benefits. </div><div><br></div><div>Make the tea with hot boiled water for 3 minutes, 2-3 tea bags daily. The tea has no side-effects, no over dose effects, as per the test done by the Stimulant Testing Center of Chinese Sports Medical Science Institute, the tea is without any stimulants forbidden by provisions(1988) of International Olympic Commission.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-30285272454903928012016-01-19T15:24:00.001-08:002016-01-19T15:24:55.793-08:00King of Bitters (Andrographis paniculata)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZh-35c1dsLuoSfBc6bjFb4cuAKIXb78adRJrlDFt-iDHrtTIl81Jj9AV1Bi9mBCn1qtzkDiY1lC3Cc9N3e-D0wWX-crL8HPEprZj6dEOFF25C1NpsgmZPCEWc3C-Q9i6eZEsa703efY/s640/blogger-image--741756786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZh-35c1dsLuoSfBc6bjFb4cuAKIXb78adRJrlDFt-iDHrtTIl81Jj9AV1Bi9mBCn1qtzkDiY1lC3Cc9N3e-D0wWX-crL8HPEprZj6dEOFF25C1NpsgmZPCEWc3C-Q9i6eZEsa703efY/s640/blogger-image--741756786.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fdMZoIfIJZxFld7MNgR9l1XNoOEU7i7kd7wXAFGm56IafS0HbPpthwQJYA6s7HM37XJ1GTwLEVN4YbBwWRapZcShF39XrSSGratGUVGUqzN_PAS9xdVz8xuBXz_aHEnBoXMaWrnhBLY/s640/blogger-image--758733777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fdMZoIfIJZxFld7MNgR9l1XNoOEU7i7kd7wXAFGm56IafS0HbPpthwQJYA6s7HM37XJ1GTwLEVN4YbBwWRapZcShF39XrSSGratGUVGUqzN_PAS9xdVz8xuBXz_aHEnBoXMaWrnhBLY/s640/blogger-image--758733777.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRzDuHhMVr43DNMDZusid3YSRh-xFE61P13pwiCfTA3aAB6yA5Ttb6uq72Mvz_T8jyKmH8TGGKBTEiOYbvsGv-LLjIOgjeTtvh8SOC7bRVVn2ADV1_OVByBk5ZPlUsmWo87RA83-J6Gc/s640/blogger-image--880745085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRzDuHhMVr43DNMDZusid3YSRh-xFE61P13pwiCfTA3aAB6yA5Ttb6uq72Mvz_T8jyKmH8TGGKBTEiOYbvsGv-LLjIOgjeTtvh8SOC7bRVVn2ADV1_OVByBk5ZPlUsmWo87RA83-J6Gc/s640/blogger-image--880745085.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>King of Bitters, also called Andrographis, is a traditional Chinese, Southeast Asian and Indian herb, and used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has been revered for treating infectious diseases and highly regarded also as having a preventative effect from many diseases, due to its powerful immune strengthening benefits. The global flu epidemic of 1919 was one of the most devastating infectious outbreaks in world history, killing millions worldwide, in many countries. However, in India, the amazing prophylactic benefits of Andrographis was credited with stopping the deadly virus. It is a potent stimulator of the immune system by two direct ways ... </div><div><br></div><div>(1) antigen- specific response: antibodies are made to counteract invading microbes, </div><div><br></div><div>(2) non-specific immune response: macrophage cells scavenger and destroy invaders. King of Bitters activates both responses, making it effective against a variety of infections and oncogenic, cancer-causing agents. </div><div><br></div><div>Research, shows it supports healthy cellular communication through a process called signal transduction pathways - as healthy signal transduction allows for effective intra-cellular communication of receptor sites, cellular metabolism and cell division. Strong receptors and pathways are important to counteract interference to the cell cycle. Such interference is the basis for the development of cancer and viral infections. Japanese researchers have reported that Andrographis stopped cancer cells from multiplying. </div><div><br></div><div>Positive results have been seen in relation to stomach, skin, prostate and breast cancer cells, in test-tube studies. Andrographolides in the plant are thought to enhance immune function such as production of white blood cells (scavengers of bacteria and other foreign matter), release of interferon, and activity of the lymph system. Scientists also believe that the herb can join with modern technology in the fight against AIDS. Research, shows that compounds from various plants are not able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, however andrographolides from King of the Bitters has been found to do so, and concentrates in the brain and with beneficial effects to the central nervous system. </div><div><br></div><div>Description: Easy to grow, annual/biennial bush to 1 meter high, with lanceolate leaves 4-12cm long. Small white flowers 1-2 cm long, set along a thin upright stem. Tubular flowers can have purple coloured flecks on the inside of the lip-like formation. A fine oblong seed capsule 1.5 cm long contains several very small round seeds. Seeds will readily disperse if not picked. Leaves have no aroma. Flavour of the whole plant is extremely bitter. Propagation is by seeds, cuttings and layering stems. Plant seeds, spring and summer, germination may be in 10- 30 days. Plants will grow in a wide range of soils, in full sun or shade and thrives in moist conditions. </div><div>Constituents: flavonoids, iterpenoid lactones (andrographolides), paniculides, farnesols, polyphenols, arabinogalactan, protein </div><div><br></div><div>Actions: Adaptogen (helps to normalise a physical function, depending on what the individual needs, e.g. it will lower high blood pressure, but raise low blood pressure; Antibacterial (fights bacterial activity); Antibiotic; Analgesic (pain reliever); Anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling); Antioxidant (helps in protecting the body from free radical damage); Anti-diabetic; Anti-acne (protects skin from pimples); Anti-carcinogenic (activity against different types of cancer, and leukemia; Anti-thrombotic (blood clot preventative); Anti-viral (inhibits viral activity); Anti-microbial (significant activity in fighting the common cold, flu, respiratory infections); Antiperiodic (counteracts periodic/intermittent diseases such as malaria); Antipyretic (reduces fever, usually caused by multiple infections or toxins); Bitter tonic; Blood purifier; Cardio-protective (protects heart muscles); Choleretic (alters the properties and flow of bile); Digestive (promotes digestion); Depurative (acts to clean and purify the body, particularly the blood); Expectorant (promotes mucus discharge from respiratory system); Hepato-protective (helps to protect liver and gall bladder functions); Hypoglycemic (blood sugar reducer); Immuno-stimulant; Laxative; Prophylactic (helps prevent disease); Sedative; Thrombolytic (blood clot buster); Vermicidal (used to kill intestinal worms and helps support the intestines). </div><div><br></div><div>Medicinal Uses: A herb with many uses! In Indian traditional medicine, many different formulas contain the herb. In Chinese medicine it has had a wide therapeutic use, treating many ailments, including gastrointestinal complains, throat infections, to dispel toxins and for increasing biliary flow. Other reported therapeutic uses include: coughs, headaches, edema, earache, pain conditions, inflammation and muscular pain, arthritis, rheumatism, fibro myalgia, multiple sclerosis, depression, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, candida, lupus, diabetes, piles, fevers, fatigue, hepatitis, herpes, leprosy, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes and other lymphatic conditions, jaundice, dyspepsia, dermatitis, eczema, burns, pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis, chicken pox, mumps; sluggish liver, spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands; sleeplessness, vaginitis, and constipation. It has had use as a replacement for quinine in treatment of malaria (still a prevalent disease in many tropical and subtropical countries). </div><div><br></div><div>Over the last 20 years Andrographis has become popular in Europe and the USA as a treatment for colds and respiratory infections (several double-blind clinical trials have shown that it can reduce the severity of symptoms). Using the herb can also prevent the occurrence of the common cold. Also, present day research has found that the antioxidant compounds in the plant have a powerful effect on the liver, noted as being as effective as silymarin, from Milk Thistle. The herb can improve gall bladder function and increase bile flow, thereby aiding digestion. The herb has been used against Escherchia coli, Salmonella typhae and other fungal conditions. Andrographis promotes a healthy heart by helping to prevent blocked arteries and blood clots. One of the main active constituents in the plant is andrographolide, a very bitter substance... but bitter herbs, generally, have an affinity with the heart, also liver, gall bladder; and also have a cooling effect on the body and can bring down a temperature. </div><div><br></div><div>Studies in China show King of the Bitters is effective in preventing the formation of blood clots and preventing the re-clogging of arteries after angioplasty (a technique used to treat blocked arteries by inserting a balloon into the blood vessels which is then inflated to widen the artery). Further research shows that the herb activates fibrinolysis, a natural process in the body in which blood clots are dissolved. It also relaxes the smooth muscle in the walls of blood vessels and has a blood pressure-lowering effect. Research shows the benefits of the herb for digestive functions, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Its ability to fight infections and boost the immune system is what we all need to be aware of and utilise... as the herb, is waiting to be of service. With the media reporting, that scientists are saying, the ‘super-bugs’ of our present age are appearing to be resistant to the most powerful antibiotics, the medicinal powers of King of the Bitters could help give us some protection. Some people have been seeking out the plant as possible protection from Avian flu. </div><div>Dosage: Various literature refers to varying dosage (as you will see by the following): from .5 to 6 grams daily of dried herb made as an infusion (or crushed to a fine powder and placed in gelatin capsules), or 3 - 12ml daily of 1:2 fluid extract. I teaspoon of the dried leaf is 5 grams. To make the infusion, place 1 teaspoon of the dried leaf tea in a teapot or tea infuser and pour over 1 cup of boiling water, allow to steep 5-10 minutes; sip before meals. If using the fresh plant, to make an infusion, 10 to 12 grams would be a similar dose. It would be recommended to gradually build up to the higher amount, particularly as a tea, due to the bitter flavour (infact a lower dose of 2-3 mature-size leaves per cup of boiling water maybe found sufficient as a general dose). At the dose of 6 grams of dried leaves daily, no reported side effects, have been recorded by one Australian company, that have the herb available. </div><div>On a world wide web site, I noted a doctor s personal opinion, recommending: when taken in tablet form - to take for 14 days at a time and then break for awhile, as he felt there may be a risk of overstimulating the immune system with certain herbs, perhaps in rare cases leading to aggravating autoimmune conditions. Friends, who are familiar with this herb from living in the Solomon Islands, regularly make Andrographis as a tea, usually drinking it on an empty stomach before a meal. They infuse 2-3 leaves in 1 D2 a cup of boiling water, swallowing it down pretty quickly and follow it with something sweet, like a couple dried cranberries (sultanas, or fresh fruit could also be used). An alternative way to take the edge off the severe bitterness, would be to add several tiny pieces of natural licorice root (as it has natural sweet properties). Combining the bitter herb with licorice would be most advantageous, as licorice has a beneficial action through the 12 meridians, reaching organs, muscles and nerve cells, and also having the effect of lengthening the period of time that a tonic formula (like Andrographis) will act in the body. </div><div><br></div><div>Extracts of Andrographis are sometimes prepared with the addition of licorice. Note: licorice should be avoided by pregnant women, myasthenia gravis sufferers (rare muscle disease), and people with high blood pressure, cardiac or kidney conditions. </div><div>Another natural plant sweetener often used to make medicine more palatable is stevia (leaves considered to be 300 times sweeter than refined sugar, but without the kilojoules). The herb, made as an infusion is used as a wash on the skin for rashes, burns and inflammation. Caution: In human studies the herb has not been associated with any major side effects. Bitter herbs may aggravate heartburn and ulcers. Large oral doses may cause gastric discomfort or vomiting. If intestinal upset occurs, reduce the amount taken, or take with meals. </div><div>Side effects are said to be rare (itching of skin has been observed). Refrain from use if gall bladder disease is known. Do not take while breastfeeding, during pregnancy (can be abortive), or if pregnancy is anticipated (may impair fertility). In almost every other respect, Andrographis has extremely low toxicity. It is not likely to be a herb that anyone would wish to take more of than the recommended dose, due to its extreme bitterness. King of Bitters has had many uses for thousands of years, that could now benefit our health and wellbeing in this century.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-58415443564284403212016-01-13T15:29:00.001-08:002016-01-13T15:29:36.153-08:00Infant massage: Understand this soothing therapy<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5StaPXy8FR_-A6XPIWza7x8LF8z5id20Xt7uHmt3iY4KZamcDP1yi-EcLIwBZFUQDAEWcFdP6lcdIm2kSR6AzszHGvCIgdszS2EPBkp1tZKZhi7atwCL1yebIw35lGZjER4Y3C0bx0RU/s640/blogger-image-627550400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5StaPXy8FR_-A6XPIWza7x8LF8z5id20Xt7uHmt3iY4KZamcDP1yi-EcLIwBZFUQDAEWcFdP6lcdIm2kSR6AzszHGvCIgdszS2EPBkp1tZKZhi7atwCL1yebIw35lGZjER4Y3C0bx0RU/s640/blogger-image-627550400.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Looking for ways to relax and bond with your baby? Understand when and how to give an infant massage.</div><div>By Mayo Clinic Staff</div><div><br></div><div>Infant massage is a way for you to gently nurture and spend time with your baby. Find out about the possible benefits of infant massage and know how to get started.</div><div><br></div><div>What are the benefits of infant massage?</div><div><br></div><div>Research suggests that infant massage can have various health benefits. For example, infant massage might:</div><div>* Encourage interaction between you and your baby</div><div>* Help your baby relax and sleep</div><div>* Positively affect infant hormones that control stress</div><div>* Reduce crying</div><div>Although further research is needed, some studies also suggest that infant massage involving moderate pressure might promote growth for premature babies.</div><div><br></div><div>When should I massage my baby?</div><div><br></div><div>Massaging your baby too soon after a feeding might cause your baby to vomit — so wait at least 45 minutes after a feeding. Also pay close attention to your baby's mood. If your baby has a steady gaze and appears calm and content, he or she might enjoy a massage. If your baby turns his or her head away from you or becomes stiff in your arms, it might not be the best time for a massage.</div><div>Once you start massaging your baby, when and how often you massage your baby is up to you. You might give your newborn a daily massage. Your toddler might enjoy a massage at night as a soothing part of his or her bedtime routine.</div><div><br></div><div>How do I massage my baby?</div><div><br></div><div>Infant massage involves a little preparation and some basic techniques. To get started:</div><div>* Create a calm atmosphere. If possible, do the massage in a warm, quiet place — indoors or outdoors. Remove your jewelry. Sit comfortably on the floor or a bed or stand in front of the changing table and position your baby on a blanket or towel in front of you. Place your baby on his or her back so that you can maintain eye contact. As you undress your baby, tell him or her it's massage time.</div><div>* Control your touch. When you first start massaging your baby, use a gentle touch. Avoid tickling your baby, however, which might irritate him or her. As your baby grows, use a firmer touch.</div><div>* Slowly stroke and knead each part of your baby's body.You might start by placing your baby on his or her stomach and spending one minute each rubbing different areas, including your baby's head, neck, shoulders, upper back, waist, thighs, feet and hands. Next, place your baby on his or her back and spend one minute each extending and flexing your baby's arms and legs, and then both legs at the same time. Finally, with your baby either on his or her back or stomach, repeat the rubbing motions for another five minutes.</div><div>* Stay relaxed. Talk to your baby throughout the massage. You might sing or tell a story. Try repeating your baby's name and the word "relax" as you help him or her release tension.</div><div>* Watch how your baby responds. If your baby jiggles his or her arms and seems happy, he or she is likely enjoying the massage and you can continue. If your baby turns his or her head away from you or appears restless or unhappy, stop the massage and try again later.</div><div><br></div><div>Should I use oil?</div><div><br></div><div>It's up to you. Some parents prefer to use oil during infant massage to prevent friction between their hands and the baby's skin, while others find it too messy. If you choose to use oil, select one that's odorless and edible — just in case your baby gets some in his or her mouth. If your baby has sensitive skin or allergies, test the oil first by applying a small amount to a patch of your baby's skin and watching for a reaction.</div><div><br></div><div>Is infant massage OK for babies who have health issues?</div><div><br></div><div>If your baby has any underlying health issues, talk to your baby's doctor before trying infant massage. The doctor can help you determine if massage is appropriate. You might also ask your baby's doctor if he or she can recommend an infant massage specialist or other qualified expert who can teach you techniques to address your baby's specific needs.</div><div>It might take a few tries before you and your baby get the hang of infant massage. Be patient. With a little practice, infant massage can be a healthy way for you and your baby to relax and bond.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-86978014359575996732016-01-12T15:30:00.001-08:002016-01-12T15:30:56.781-08:00Effects of slow-stroke massage as complementary treatment of depressed
hospitalized patients<div><br></div><div>Müller-Oerlinghausen B1, Berg C, Scherer P, Mackert A, Moestl HP, Wolf J.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgYtECmkwTA3-v8Qkm2BGmndkfXUjxcseLE-ODtgORiN42hjgd2-7YwGLxUWoj1i_BbfnNwgSDy2Gnlk9PSldL3bIK_u3dojyqmOPMZ81A7elEyXR6QlOicsVgD57UzV85FWhtDOGyUc/s640/blogger-image-1699190241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgYtECmkwTA3-v8Qkm2BGmndkfXUjxcseLE-ODtgORiN42hjgd2-7YwGLxUWoj1i_BbfnNwgSDy2Gnlk9PSldL3bIK_u3dojyqmOPMZ81A7elEyXR6QlOicsVgD57UzV85FWhtDOGyUc/s640/blogger-image-1699190241.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: </div><div><br></div><div>Among methods of complementary treatment of depression, massage plays an important role, at least in the U.S.A. Although there are some pointers to the antidepressive and anxiolytic action of slow-stroke massage in various randoms studies of patient cohorts, there have been no controlled trials of depressed hospitalized patients.</div><div><br></div><div>PATIENTS AND METHODS:</div><div><br></div><div>32 depressed patients (24 women, 8 men; average 48 years - coveringthe entire spectrum of affective disorders listed in the ICD but without comorbidity in axis 2) with a minimum BRMS score of 16,7 - were included in the study. The randomized cross-over trial involved three massage sessions at set times (M) and sessions in two control groups (C) (relaxation and perception) lasting for 60 min 2-3 days apart. Under the control conditions there was no touching. The effects of depression-specific variables (e.g. mood, drive, abnormal cognition, as well as typical progress variables of the slow-stroke massage (bodily awareness, general state of health, etc.) were measured by both the patients' own assessment and that of an independent observer.</div><div><br></div><div>RESULTS:</div><div><br></div><div>Under condition of both M and C, comparison of before and after effects, there was not only the primarily postulated mood-enhancing effect, but also some very marked changes in almost all dimension, the mean improvement ratio under M often being stronger than under C. After Bonferroni correction for multiple tests, the statistical significance there remained the stronger effect of M in four dimensions (global tenseness, restlessness, depressed mood, neck/shoulder tension). The intensive effect of M compared with C was confirmed by both female and male patients regarding the answers to various open questions.</div><div><br></div><div>CONCLUSIONS:</div><div><br></div><div>Slow-stroke massage is suitable for adjuvant acute treatment of patients with depression. It is very readily accepted also by very ill patients. In relation to the skin as an organ that aids identity, non-hedonic depressed patients are able to recognize the sensory quality of therapeutic touching as a positive stimulus. In view of the latent period of many weeks and the only moderate efficacy of antidepressants, the described complementary method, which does not require physiotherapeutic training, should be more often applied in both a hospital and general practice setting.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-41256417040157997772016-01-02T09:55:00.001-08:002016-01-02T09:55:23.020-08:00Therapeutic workshop for Frozen shoulder, Headache, Back pain & knee
pain<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Extra techniques and therapeutic points for frozen shoulder, low back pain, headaches and pain in knee
These techniques have been tested in hospitals in Thailand</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>
Prerequisite: basic knowlegde of massage</div><div><br></div><div> * This workshop teaches massage as a traditional Thai medical practice to cure some of the most common ailments and restore health</div><div> * The required methods and techniques to treat at the following ailments: headache, frozen shoulder, frozen shoulder front, back pain (not able to flex), back pain (not able to extend), back pain (not able to rotate), osteoarthritis of knee</div><div> * Inclusive tea and snacks</div><div> * Price €180,- (students of ITM Thai Hand Amsterdam have 50% discount and pay 90 euro)</div><div> * 6 hours on weekends (3 hours on Saturday and 3 hours on Sunday)</div><div><br></div><div>All teachers from International Training Massage School Amsterdam are internationally qualified and recognized by the Thai government and ITM Chiang Mai</div><div><br></div><div>Book Now! at www.thai-hand.com </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EgLziyOCm1BWPMiVz07JD5rSdsV4gA0UpwNl21UyXTWxMYYHCf3GnEQddOTeGfiEtSOEjUddA6b-q5G-IIHS0AfzGWiP33jPC6MZ9uSdMluSE8G4BA6EUxv_9FTGG_BJeIfbaD6Ciro/s640/blogger-image-1376680731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EgLziyOCm1BWPMiVz07JD5rSdsV4gA0UpwNl21UyXTWxMYYHCf3GnEQddOTeGfiEtSOEjUddA6b-q5G-IIHS0AfzGWiP33jPC6MZ9uSdMluSE8G4BA6EUxv_9FTGG_BJeIfbaD6Ciro/s640/blogger-image-1376680731.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCwR0KlRv2SH2h3utAR__46ymRulmmpNMKphUFAU8oaRuUr_YAbXSkYV9Cp1vSBRwmOFUk7XLsDsvkgqJqhmpwaSr2FIaeNUyXuUTOLu8XeKphOH-wPQuH_C_LysRi9jgAEbS4M2bZnE/s640/blogger-image-37499862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCwR0KlRv2SH2h3utAR__46ymRulmmpNMKphUFAU8oaRuUr_YAbXSkYV9Cp1vSBRwmOFUk7XLsDsvkgqJqhmpwaSr2FIaeNUyXuUTOLu8XeKphOH-wPQuH_C_LysRi9jgAEbS4M2bZnE/s640/blogger-image-37499862.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiYBLlIHxt1vmcogfChZmowjxsTyvSragKEhpRCYgnGydO5K3gaOYI2BiMhusZL2Xorj2gxT-JHjihgDOJZuom35O4QnDJ2P7YGRhar58iUs4Uj8ItyZYh62HYKcFjqJQb9hlc3z0WS4/s640/blogger-image-1418578030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiYBLlIHxt1vmcogfChZmowjxsTyvSragKEhpRCYgnGydO5K3gaOYI2BiMhusZL2Xorj2gxT-JHjihgDOJZuom35O4QnDJ2P7YGRhar58iUs4Uj8ItyZYh62HYKcFjqJQb9hlc3z0WS4/s640/blogger-image-1418578030.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bNWg18K-T2LFTK7hZbchkLyngagiM1Xcs3ftAVXQIHFnOCKTnWx7gT5e_Awgu-YZvy8ltT6xoPN5BQo-pMNlvTTBmzk3jJM6xCMT6XnEX5srRIXgpvTpKpV7x9PeeGYqo5oXJo4cYIg/s640/blogger-image-591586650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bNWg18K-T2LFTK7hZbchkLyngagiM1Xcs3ftAVXQIHFnOCKTnWx7gT5e_Awgu-YZvy8ltT6xoPN5BQo-pMNlvTTBmzk3jJM6xCMT6XnEX5srRIXgpvTpKpV7x9PeeGYqo5oXJo4cYIg/s640/blogger-image-591586650.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388397163021537096.post-4546125622263373052016-01-01T12:51:00.001-08:002016-01-01T12:51:56.811-08:00Therapeutic workshop for stiff neck, ankle sprain, achilles tendon
stiffness and carpal tunnel syndrome<div><br></div><div><header class="entry-header" style="margin: 0px 0px 1.714285714rem; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><h1 class="entry-title" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 1.2; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Therapeutic workshop for stiff neck, ankle sprain, achilles tendon stiffness and carpal tunnel syndrome</span></h1></header><div class="entry-content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.714285714;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.714285714;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Workshop: Extra techniques and therapeutic points for stiff neck, ankle sprain, achilles tendon stiffness and carpal tunnel syndrome</strong></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.714285714;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">These techniques have been tested in hospitals in Thailand</strong></span><br><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prerequisite: basic knowlegde of massage</span></span></p><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 1.714285714rem; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-position: outside; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 1.714285714;"><ul style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: disc outside; line-height: 1.714285714;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.571428571rem; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This workshop teaches massage as a traditional Thai medical practice to cure some of the most common ailments and restore health</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.571428571rem; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The required methods and techniques to treat at the following ailments:</strong> neck stiffness 1, neck stiffness 2, neck sprain, ankle sprain inside, ankle sprain outside, ankle sprain with swelling, achilles tendon stiffness and carpal tunnel syndrome</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.571428571rem; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Inclusive tea and snacks</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.571428571rem; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Price €180,- (students of ITM Thai Hand Amsterdam have 50% discount and pay 90 euro)</strong></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.571428571rem; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6 hours on weekends (3 hours on Saturday and 3 hours on Sunday)</span></li></ul></ul><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.714285714;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">All teachers from International Training Massage School Amsterdam are internationally qualified and recognized by the Thai government and ITM Chiang Mai</strong></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.714285714;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFhUvSdhsb7Z2cYqomDLz7QuJZ9lafuEzkwbMQw2kMEhIqS3NmxBZOQGoeM02mF-CtPb3id4SCoGsze_UVcZZzqQygi5tPkGWoSQdTQVIw7ADtH_fDJ_EMOv7BTb6f54LjnmGYk2DNok/s640/blogger-image--1015413810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFhUvSdhsb7Z2cYqomDLz7QuJZ9lafuEzkwbMQw2kMEhIqS3NmxBZOQGoeM02mF-CtPb3id4SCoGsze_UVcZZzqQygi5tPkGWoSQdTQVIw7ADtH_fDJ_EMOv7BTb6f54LjnmGYk2DNok/s640/blogger-image--1015413810.jpg"></a></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpy9q6ktp93QOMHT77oR-Jx1_Ix8RdEs9lw-L8fOrMSRSpGhxPrSy-MF3etvR44nVwVh7c-DJcoAcFBRWiOifimwscxAnWcHtzREbEza3ld5-ybRYrNczOZHVlXv-adPAD-e4CcZl1r4w/s640/blogger-image-1859569189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpy9q6ktp93QOMHT77oR-Jx1_Ix8RdEs9lw-L8fOrMSRSpGhxPrSy-MF3etvR44nVwVh7c-DJcoAcFBRWiOifimwscxAnWcHtzREbEza3ld5-ybRYrNczOZHVlXv-adPAD-e4CcZl1r4w/s640/blogger-image-1859569189.jpg"></a></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnnL1ZQq-5A7bAb3JJ3ZTkjKBSifTmRvP0vbbYMkCVcLjRet-XSQf2N9olQSVyboSz1fObnPWDuZYcsggygVSiiJAgdDTvftjQLzsmJ9dXw8a7WW985pwfsTKz_x0Ceix7I0Fy4G0ft0/s640/blogger-image--1917255276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnnL1ZQq-5A7bAb3JJ3ZTkjKBSifTmRvP0vbbYMkCVcLjRet-XSQf2N9olQSVyboSz1fObnPWDuZYcsggygVSiiJAgdDTvftjQLzsmJ9dXw8a7WW985pwfsTKz_x0Ceix7I0Fy4G0ft0/s640/blogger-image--1917255276.jpg"></a></strong></div><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br></strong><p></p></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799489098177914555noreply@blogger.com0